#anyways dick and kori are the best mother and father to this child

[rainyyriver]

thinking about how unlike Thalia or Bruce, who have messy love , never stick to 1 person, Damian has one lover. And sure as hell does he stick with them. my version of Dick ends up permanently with Kori so they're the first couple he sees where when they work, they're infinitely better when they're a unit.

Damian first sees this happen for a second when he fights alongside Flatline. He pushes it back, putting it on the fact that they have similarities in their fighting styles (which they totally don't btw), or the fact that it feels like working with Richard (something something dick is damians batman something else). Nonetheless, he pushes the feelings back.

then he leaves Lazarus Island and he thinks he'll never see her again (which is something he denies to be sad about, he's not *as* sappy as grayson, god).

it comes up with Bruce in the whole "where tf were you Damian" "on green liquid island", that Damian "met a valuable ally if befriend properly" and "her name is Flatline and she has blonde hair that parts in the same place as mine" and "she wears a leather jacket with spikes that's so-.. very practical for fighting." "also, she does this art on her face that makes her suit more..(blah blah blah)." and Bruce just knows. And he's worried, to say the least. but without talk about that he just assumed he was imagining it.

but then she shows up.

and blah blah we should know what happens it's been written already

what I want to talk about is how Damian should be the first of his family to find a staple in his life that he will always have to fight with if he needs. he's finally allowing him to open up to someone like how dick does with Kori. they fight better together, they're funnier together, they do chores better together, they flow. like a singular unit. and Damian gets it. and he holds on tight and will not let go no matter what

aaaaand he does go through challenges and they do have fights but they both know they'll always have each other to lean on no matter what

[creatureofmystry]

MLB x DC Universe Headcannons

I just love the idea of MLB and DC (expecially Batfam cuz Mari is such a Wayne) being in the same universe and crossing over. So one night, I just had an idea overload of different ways the Marinette would know the batfam/be a part of the DC universe. And if any of my shitty ideas somehow inspire or prompt you, then please be my guest. 😊 _

1) “Ladybugs of Past and Present”

Hippolyta, Wonder Woman’s mother, was once a previous holder of the ladybug miraculous. When Fu activated the miraculous and put them in circulation, Hippolyta could feel its magic waking back up. Knowing there must a reason for it to be out, she sent a message to her daughter. Diana searched, finding Marinette and Adrien as the present holders of the ladybug and cat miraculous. She vouched and brought them into the Young Justice program while they also made their own team, Project: Zodiac (or something like that).

[Sometime when Diana takes Marinette to meet Hippolyta]

“Great Hera, Tikki, you have not aged a day” -Hippolyta, cause she does know how to make joke. 

“And I would say the same to you” -Tikki

“Mother, you can make a laugh?” -Wonder Woman, honestly a bit confused cause her mom have never not been serious before.

And Marinette is just speechless cause she’s starstruck meeting Wonder Woman’s mom AND a previous Ladybug holder.

_

2) “Rockstar Niece”

Jagged Stone is Marinette’s Sweet Uncle J. During the summers, Jagged Stone would take Mari with him on tour. HIs summer tours are throughout America, so Mari gets to sightsee the country. Jagged’s first tour that he gets to take Mari on (5-ish), he’s also booked for the annual (for whatever reason) Wayne Summer Gala. When Marinette meets the Waynes, they are so enamoured (Dick and Tim couldn’t help it) that they tell Jagged he’s always invited as a guest, Mari of course being added to the permanent guest list too. About 6 years later, Mari is practically adopted, spending the first half of her summers with Jagged, going to the Wayne Gala, then spending the rest of her summer with the Waynes. Overtime, she figured out the secrets of the family and was there to welcome Jason back from the dead (when that happens). Anyways, now 11(-ish?) Mari meets Damian and the two become good friends… after an… impressionable first meeting.

“Tch, let me guess, you’re another one of father’s adopted strays” -Dami

“YOU MUST BE DAMIAN!!! DICK TOLD ME ABOUT YOU!!” -Marinette, who just ignores what he said for a hug.

“hiiiiiiiiissssssss” -Dami, touchy with touch

“...” sprays water in his face since he decided to act like a cat.

“I say, Master Bruce, the children are getting along quite well” -Alfred

_

3) “Pen Pals” 

Jon Kent and Marinette Dupain-Cheng are part of an international pen-pal program, starting when they were very young (maybe like 4 or 5-ish, super super young) where they told each other everything (Jon can’t just say that his older bro is a clone made from Superman and Lex Luthor’s DNA, or that his dad is Superman, or that his best friend is Robin, but yea. Lois and Clark probably proofread his stuff until he’s like 9) with pictures and everything. When they’re old enough to get phones & stuff, they call, text and vid-chat along with their letters (love without blood). When Mari is maybe 9-11 (somewhere around there) she starts flying over during the summers to hangout with Jon (and his friends and big brother). While there, she meets Kon, Bat fam, and Clark (some who she already knew, some who she didn’t) & lightly hints that she knows who all they are once she figures it out (it didn’t take her long to do so). 

Now whenever she visits and is at Wayne Manor (Jon likes to have sleepovers practically every weekend) while they’re on patrol, Mari subtly messes with their minds (super subtle, they’re the world’s best detectives after all) until they finally look through the cams and see Mari giving them one of those smiles (those shit-grinning cause it’s just so hilarious how it’s gone on for so long) & and a playful wink. 

[5 seconds later]

“Mari!” “Pixie-pop!” “Angel!” “Teacup!”

“Seriously, am I the only one with a normal nickname for her?” -Tim

“Ms. Marinette would like to inform you that ‘it took you long enough’” -Alfred (who so knows that the girl has been playing them since the third night she stayed at the Wayne’s)

“Where are my adoption papers?” -Bruce (who is seriously adopting any talented black-haired child)

_

4) “Mari and Mar’i” 

When Mar’i is young, Dick and Kori take her with them to see Paris (btw, this would be during the winter). They’re strolling along through a park and lose track of Mar’i who finds Marinette (9-10 ish). Marinette comforts and distracts Mar’i while noticing the young(er) girl is Tameranian (her hair is very warm and she’s wearing significantly less layers than should be worn for a human of that age during the winter, plus that sun-kissed skin tone. She’s seen Kori in her fashion magazines (and, from time to time, on the news as an ambassador) so she easily make the connections). Dick and Kori finally spot Mar’i with Mari who introduces herself to them. Mar’i asks if she can see her “Auntinette” again and Marinette just goes “if your parents are okay with it.” Dick and Kori are totally cool with it (not many are willing to watch her and have the time to do it) so they ask Marinette if she can babysit Mar’i whenever (with good pay of course) if she’s up to it (cause she’s still pretty young). Marinette can’t say no to Mar’i’s babydoll eyes (and she’s so much easier compared to Manon, who’s only 2 rn), so of course, she says yes. 

Now Marinette is Mar’is official babysitter and sees Mar’i often whenever her parents drop her off (using zeta tubes to quickly get to Paris and back). Marinette gets treated like an honorary Wayne (cause she’s the most responsible) and gets invited to their family stuff (w/ travel pay taken care of, of course). It doesn’t take her long to realize the fact that she babysits Bruce Wayne’s & BATMAN’S granddaughter, but of course, being the responsible one she is, keeps the secret… while also playing with them via Mar’i.

[One Day]

After Marinette leaves for her plane…

“Uncle Dami!”

“Yes, Spawn?”

“Auntinette said to tell you after she left that Robin’s sut needs a major upgrade & that you look like a traffic light… whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

[Another Day]

“Uncle Jay!”

“What’s up kid?’

“Auntinette said that to let you know that Red Hood doesn’t make any sense ‘cause Red Hood wears a helmet. Not a hood.”

[The next time]

“Uncle Tim!”

Yawn. “yea?”

“Auntie told me to give you this” (pulls out super caffeinated coffee) “and that Red Robin’s cowl is a menace to all things fashion”

[Again…] 

“Daddy!”

“Yes, Starshine?”

“Auntienette said she’s proud of Nightwing’s costume ‘cause it’s one of the only in the batfam that isn’t an astro-city to the fashion society.”

_

5) “Marinette, the one who’s always getting chosen”

Before Mari became (becomes(?)) LB, she comes across a different powerful piece of jewelry, from a different order of guardians where her will of mind is not only her shield from being akumatized, but it is also what drives her powers. That’s right, Mari walks past a flea market and activates a GL ring. The guardians pick up on this activity and send Hal (it is his sector) to check it out. Hal finds the ring with Mari but it still needs the light of a GL to charge and fully work. 

[During the explanation]

“Look, kid-”

“Marinette.” 

“Look, kid, I just need to know why you have that ring.”

“You think I know? I was just walking through the market and all of a sudden, this possessed ring, if that’s even what this is, started following me, then zipped in front of my face til i held my hand up so it can put itself on my finger.” 

“Kid-”

“It’s MARINETTE. Get it wrong one more time and you’ll see why I don’t need a possessed piece of alien jewelry.” -Marinette, making sure you get her name right. “Besides, if I stole it, I would remember. I’m a klepto” -Marinette, probably holding his ring too at this point.

Hal obviously doesn’t want the wrath of the Dupain-Chengs (just the kid Marinette scares him enough), so he tells the guardians that JL will take care of most of Mari’s training (once they get her a lamp for her ring, of course) & has her take part in training at Mt. Justice with the Young Justice team and special training with the Bats. Mari does all this under the guise of an international student exchange program for Mari to stay with the Waynes (not yet knowing that it’s the bat fam) and attends G.A. Mari doesn’t do much, but it takes her 24-36 hours to know who EVERYONE is.

[the next week after settling in]

“Hey, Mars,” -Dick, in his Nightwing gear

“Hey, Di-is the GREATEST SHOW!” -Mari, changing the subject(… not really)

“How long did it take you?”

“Not as long as the Kryptonians…” -Mari, going off into a tangent (still trying to change the subject”

[When Marinette meets Tikki]

Back in Paris:

“Sooo… I’m getting powerful jewelry that gives me powers and a suit, needs to be recharged, and comes from some Order of the Guardians? What’s the difference between you and my ring?” -Marinette, who at this point is very confused as to why she keeps getting picked on for this kind of stuff. 

“One’s alien, one’s magic” -Tikki, hoping Mari will end it there & lowkey hates that the GL Corp. got to her first.

“They’re both non-human made energy sources” -Mari, cause once you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it all before. 

“You can’t heal the Akuma without the miraculous, and there are more than just rings. Yours are earrings, there are hair clips, bracelets, necklaces and more” -Tikki, after having a minute to think

“Fine, only because you said they’re the only way to heal the, what was it again, akuma?”

_

6) “Their Unofficial Official Barista”

Part of Tim’s job as Co-CEO, is to make sure all the branches are running smoothly, sometimes that means he has to fly abroad to manually check in. Tim goes to Paris to check on the W.E. Paris branch. He goes to a nearby Patisserie (Tom and Sabine’s) to see a young Marinette (somewhere from 8-11) drawing in her sketchbook at the counter. She explains that her parents are at a catering event, but she’s there to man the little bakery. Tim asks for a super caffeinated coffee and Marinette makes it with ease, claiming it was on the house with how bad he looks (and how much sleep the man clearly needs). Tim begs for her knowledge and asks if she can teach his butler. Mari’s willing to show him the next time he comes, so he gets the whole fam to go (viz tubes so they don’t waste time) maybe a week later. Everyone gets their own drink (plus a free pastries) and Marinette teaches Alfred her coffee, but it’s just not the same so Tim, using the tubes, goes to get coffee from the girl whenever he can. 

Mari is horrible at getting up on time (the life of an insomniac, never getting to sleep even if you want and then barely waking up on time) that she is up super early, makes Tim his coffee (plus a croissant) and tries to go back to sleep (making her inevitably late). Tim would walk up to the pick-up counter where his cup and to-go bag is while Marinette runs out of the house to get to school. Eventually, the rest of the Batfam (as well as the Laegue, TT, and YJ) frequent the place, slowly becoming (Dami too) Mari hides it, but she knew all the batfam the first day they came and she showed Alfred how to make the coffee. When the others start making more regular appearances, she learns the identities of YJ team, WW, GLs, and others. Obviously when LB and CN appear as heroes with HM as their villain, they immediately reach out to help. Because 1. Batfam clearly notices that it’s Mari and they sure as heck won’t let her deal with that by herself, and 2. The JL is worrying too much about their favorite barista (even though she’s not really one), especially with the Gigantitan scare. So, of course LB & CN (can’t make him bad everytime) get inducted into YJ.

[After Ladybug finishes defeating Gigantitan and detransforms] 

“Bean! Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” -Tim, being an even more protective older brother than Dick, which shouldn’t be possible

“Yes, I promise. I’m fine” -Marinette, who just accepts the fact that she’s adopted an older brother (and his famliy)

“Tube over, we’ll have Alfred make sure” -Dick, already pulling out the medical supplies for Alfred.

“I-” 

“You shouldn’t worry your brothers like that, Marinette. Now come over so Alfred can clear you,” -Bruce, who just happens to overhear the conversation

“I’m sorry, Miss Marinette, they are very adamant that you’re in pitch perfect health before going out again,” -Alfred, who’s not actually sorry

“Fine” -Marinette, accepting her fate of her adopted, protective family. 

_

7) “Thicker Than the Blood We’ve Shed”

Why is Marinette so freakishly strong? Because she was trained to be. Before she could even talk, Mari was taught to be an assassin. She and Damian were frenemies, both competing for top spot as best in the League (of Assassins). They often spared together and became rivals who pushed each other (which sounds great in that context if you forget about the fact that they’re killing people and turning it into a competition). When Damian’s care is turned over to Batsy, Mari also comes along for the ride. She implements herself into Dami’s classes at G.A. & watches him from afar. (Damian, not being an idiot, of course knows all this and knows that it’s probably for Mari to give a report to Talia.) When he becomes Robin, Mari obviously knows, but waits to see if anything drastic would happen (his care was given to the Batfam, they had already expected this to happen.) She then heard word of the bounty Talia put on Damian’s head. Marinette knew there wouldn’t be much she could do to help, but she ave Dami a warning about the upcoming situation before fleeing the country. 

From there she got to France, changed her name (it wasn’t originally Marinette, it was Shénqí, chinese for miraculous/magical (or something else if you want)), was adopted by Tom & Sabine, and left her time in the League in the past. When she received Tikki, she didn’t want to be a hero because she didn’t think she deserved it after her up-bringing. Eventually, she did become LB (being a trained assassin does help with lucky charms, considering she was taught how to kill with basically every and anything), and life was good for her. Then Rossi came.

[Gotham field trip]

While at Wayne Tower…

“How idiotic are they?” -Damian, who after reuniting with his long-lost sister-from-a-different-mister (yes, Marinette was able to convince him to say it once), can’t understand the stupidity she has to deal with.

“Are you Robin?” -Mari, who is too tired, so just goes straight into the analogy

“Yes.” -Obvious and simply is.

“Exactly” -Mari, who can’t even put a limit to the amount of thought the one brain cell the class shares doesn’t use. I mean please, the so-called “reporter” believed that the first cosplayer she saw was the actual LB when they don’t even have the same hair! And let’s not forget the origins arc, where LB’s first citizen save was Chloe.

[soulmate-game]

Bio Dad Bruce Wayne Month 2020

Day 1: Meeting for the first time

Not my best work, but decent. I hope you enjoy!

—*—*—*—*—*

Mari was intelligent. That much could not be disputed— and despite her dislike for the sciences in general, she was fully capable of comprehending them when she wanted to. She just usually didn’t care enough to try. But genetics? That was kinda cool. So, when she was ten years old and they began their short unit on it, she was obsessed. And by obsessed, she dove in head first. Like, the fact that her eye color didn’t match either of her parents or grandparents. How could she have blue eyes when none of them did? She delved in deeper and deeper until she uncovered a truth her parents hadn’t wanted her to figure out quite so soon.

She was adopted.

Mari never told her parents about her discovery, the epiphany only managing to sate her curiosity. Who needed blood relation when her parents loved her like real ones anyway? But as the years passed and certain life changes came up, she couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the mystery of where her DNA came from. The heroism thing had to have some root in genetics, right? Okay, so maybe she was just looking for someone to be mad at besides Master Fu. But still, could she be blamed?

So, when Marinette was thirteen years old, she traced her DNA back to her biological parents. And for a while, that was it. She had once again sated her curiosity. She didn’t need anything else. Her mother was dead, and she doubted her biological father knew a thing about her. So Marinette forgot about her discovery, or at least let it sink into the recesses of her brain. And there it stayed, until she was eighteen.

—* — * — * — * — *

It had to be one of the most accidentally dramatic days possible. Top floor of Wayne Enterprises, in one of Bruce’s massive conference rooms with every member of his large family in attendance. Even Kori and Mar’i were there, and Jason’s boyfriend Roy. Everyone was getting fairly restless, considering that Bruce had only informed a few of them (Read: just Dick, who was vibrating in his seat and not soothing anyone’s nerves) about what they were even all called in for. In their civilian identities, no less. It was very odd. Damian, not least of all, was sitting beside Bruce with his jaw clenched but eyes scanning the room in curiosity. He had come a long way from the surly ten year old, and he hadn’t even killed anyone in four years. He had well and truly become a Bat, and with that progress came the lessening of his old temper and brattiness.

Make note: lessening. Not erasure.

It wasn’t long, maybe ten or fifteen minutes of Bruce checking his phone and grinning secretively without answering anyone’s questions, before a businesslike tap-tap-tap sounded on the door to the conference room. Immediately, everything went silent. Kori, Tim, and Jason stopped trying to get Dick to say anything intelligible and went instead to just keeping the man in his seat at all. Bruce let out a rare, soft chuckle before raising his coffee mug to his lips. He called out:

“Come on in, miss MDC. We’re ready for our meeting,” before taking a long sip.

And as soon as the door opened all the way, admitting a short woman of asian descent with navy black hair brushing the bottom of her shoulder blades and piercing (familiar. Too familiar) deep blue eyes, he promptly choked. Trying his damndest not to get coffee everywhere, Bruce devolved into a coughing fit even as his eyes continued to flitter up to the figure just admitted into the room. The woman pretended not to notice his suffering, closing the door behind her and walking forward towards the side of the rectangular-set-up ring of tables that was closest to her and also unoccupied. She plopped a heavy bag down onto the table, reaching in and pulling out a large red and white polka-dotted journal from within, along with a black pen. But despite her businesslike movements and her silence, nobody missed the way that her far too familiar stunningly blue eyes twinkled in suppressed mirth. She didn’t seem surprised at all.

That was the last time Bruce was ever gonna let Tim do someone’s background check on his own. He should have at least looked at the file Tim had made, but of course not. Tim was capable, he trusted the boy with half of their entire family’s company. One background check on one highly reputable designer? Of course he could trust Tim.

Except apparently not. This is what Bruce got for keeping secrets.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” Bruce spoke once he got a handle of himself, pushing back his chair almost hurriedly and standing. Damian followed suit, laser focused on his father along with everyone else who knew just how out of character the older man was being just then. It was hard to fluster Bruce at all those days, let alone make him choke and hurry to stand. “I— Welcome to WE. I’m—“ Bruce was cut off by a soft chuckle.

“Bruce Wayne, my biological father and employer for the next few weeks. I know,” Marinette interrupted, sending a sly smile his way. “I had a feeling somebody didn’t actually tell you my name. I was planning on coming to Gotham later this year after I graduated Lycee and demanding to get to know you, but it looks like you did the hard work for me without even knowing. But,” her smile widened in good humor as she walked up closer to Bruce, holding her hand out for a shake. “I do have to say, now that I’ve seen you in person I feel a bit cheated. With how tall you are, you’d think I would have inherited at least a couple more inches.”

“Excuse me? Who do you think you are, claiming to be a Wayne?” Damian asked, tone sharp and his emerald eyes glaring straight towards her. Bruce just took Marinette’s hand, shaking it gently from surprise, but his foot gently kicked his son in the ankle.

“Damian,” Bruce said simply, the single name laced with warning as it came out of his mouth. He turned his attention back to the girl in front of him. “It is nice to finally meet you in person, Marinette. I admit, I did not know of our relation until a few years ago, and I wasn’t in the right mindset back then to welcome another child. Besides, I had it on good authority that your adoptive parents are more than wonderful to you.”

Marinette shrugged. “I don’t mind. I didn’t look into who my biological father was until I was thirteen, anyway. I don’t think things would have ended well if you had just shown up in Paris one day asking to be involved in my life. Enough of that though,” Marinette turned to the sixteen year old by Bruce’s side now stiffened and wide-mouthed. His entire expression, subdued as it was, still managed to clearly telegraph betrayal. And then those eyes locked on Marinettes, and the emerald simmered into something much more vile and acidic. Marinette was not perturbed, merely giving the younger boy a smile and holding out her hand for a shake.

“You must be my half-brother, Damian. I expected someone carved out of stone, with how the tabloids paint you as unfeeling and cold,” she joked. Damian glared harder. She raised an eyebrow. “You seem pretty heated and angry, like a hissing cat, to me. And by the way, I never claimed to be a Wayne. My last name is Dupain-Cheng, and I don’t plan on changing it anytime soon. Having the same blood relation as you does not mean I plan to throw away the name given to me by the ones who actually raised me. But, it does mean that I will get to know you one way or another. I’m not easy to get rid of, and I’ve always wanted a sibling or two.”

That was when the room couldn’t hold it any more; everyone bar the three in the center of the room burst out laughing. It wasn’t too raucous, confusion dampening the hysteria that usually would have taken over, but there was a good round of chuckles and laughter. When it settled down, Damian’s shoulders had slightly relaxed but he still hadn’t taken Marinette’s hand. Instead, he turned to his father again.

“Explain.” He demanded. Bruce sighed, his gaze connecting with Marinette’s own identical one. He searched her for any hesitation, but only got a flash of a bright smile in return. Bruce straightened his shoulders, clasping his hands behind his back and turning to face Damian and the rest of the room.

“I found out about Marinette shortly after Damian was… introduced to the family,” Bruce admitted, resisting the urge to glance at Marinette after the hedged mention of how he met Damian. “I decided to scour every resource I had to make sure I couldn’t be surprised by another biological child. And, lo and behold, I found out that I was right to do so. Her biological mother passed away in childbirth however, so she was adopted by a couple in Paris. I did not see any need to contact her at the time. A friend of mine did happen to be in Paris back then though, and hung around to make sure Marinette was being treated well before leaving again.”

“You sent a friend of yours to spy on me?” Marinette asked, but she just sounded thoroughly amused. “Geez. Now I know where I get it from. When I was thirteen, I had a bit of a bad habit of spying on my friends when I was worried instead of confronting them head on. It took a while to grow out of, and even now I can easily slip back into the habit if I’m not careful. But, as great as this reunion is, it isn’t what I’m being paid to be here for,” Her grin turned downright wicked as she snapped open her sketchbook and clicked her pen.

“I am MDC, the owner and CEO of the up and rising fashion label Spotted Designs, where every look will turn heads and ensure confidence. Monsieur Wayne,” her grin turned into a sly smirk when she said his name, which visibly made Bruce twitch. “Has hired me today to design all of you a new outfit for his gala in four months time, as well as a casual outfit of your own choosing should you want one. Before I get started, I would like to ask you to please sign your NDAs, which my assistant and best friend will bring in for you in a few minutes, before we conclude this meeting. I go by an alias for a reason, I value my privacy, and I would prefer it if word did not get out about my being MDC just yet. Being CEO of a business I started from scratch when I’m only eighteen right now will garner attention that I am not patient enough to deal with right now.”

The silence was near palpable until Jason huffed in amusement and remarked: “Yup. I can see the resemblance.”

“Resemblance?” Duke asked, leaning forward with an incredulous look on his face. “It’s like seeing a tiny, genderswapped, innocent copy of Damian. Is anyone else terrified right now?”

“Tt,” Damian tutted, letting a heavy breath out through his nose before shoving his hand forward. He didn’t look pleased, but neither did he look venomous or betrayed anymore. “Miss Dupain-Cheng. I am Damian Wayne, and I look forward to working with you.” He greeted as if the past few minutes hadn’t happened at all. Marinette beamed, letting out a short belt of delighted laughter before clasping his hand firmly with hers.

“My competence always wins people over,” she teased.

“Only if they don’t see you trip over empty air first,” a new voice joined in, lightly joining the teasing. It belonged to a tall, blond haired green eyed man that looked about the same age as Marinette herself. He came carrying a large two-foot stack of papers as easily as if he was only carrying one sheet. Closing the door behind him with his foot, he went around the large square of tables distributing NDAs to everyone who hadn’t already signed one. “Mari’s the clumsiest person I’ve ever seen, but I’ve also seen her hand sew a double sided ball gown with a layer of knife-resistant fabric in less than thirty hours and still threaten anyone to come near with a needle to the eye, so I’ve learned to just not take anything about her at face value anymore.”

“Oh shut up,” Marinette snapped back cheerfully, rolling her eyes. “This is my best friend, assistant, and business partner Adrien Agreste.”

“I deal with all the paperwork and spotlight that she doesn’t want to handle,” he agreed, nearly blinding everyone with his beaming smile. “Now. Please sign these NDAs, and you can experience Marinette’s skill firsthand.”

After papers were signed and Adrien left, Bruce tried to start another conversation with Marinette.

“So, when did you find out—“

“I’m going to start with taking all of your measurements, if you don’t mind. You first, Monsieur Wayne.”

Bruce blinked, not used to being interrupted. “Ah. We can do this tomorrow, I wasn’t expecting—“

“That’s not my fault, Monsieur Wayne. I came here knowing exactly who I was going to deal with, and you want me to make a quite frankly horrifying amount of clothing in a very short amount of time. Any designer lesser than me would be completely incapable of meeting your deadline. I plan on sticking to my schedule, which means that we are going to get everyone’s measurements and a baseline of the kind of designs you all want done today before the end of our scheduled appointment.”

“Marinette, I would really like to talk about—“

“Arms out. And take your suit jacket off, I can’t get an accurate measurement with it,” she once again interrupted, businesslike and efficient as she took her measuring tape and lined it up against various parts of his body, jotting down the results. She didn’t entertain any of his attempts at conversation in the meantime, instead using the dead time to grill Damian on what he wanted for his suit design.

And, like a partnership that never should have existed, Damian merely smirked and played along with her game. He answered her questions thoroughly but precisely, never allowing their father a chance to make actual conversation. Next thing the poor eldest Wayne knew, Marinette had already taken everyone’s measurements and almost an hour had passed. No less than ten pages of her notebook were already filled with neat lines of notes and numbers.

“You really take this whole thing seriously, don’t you?” Tim asked, in the middle of describing his ideal suit to Marinette. She hummed, grinning up at him mysteriously. As if she was in on a joke he hadn’t heard.

“Designing is my life, Monsieur Drake. This company is something I’ve been building from the ground up since I was thirteen, I’ve made my own clothes since I was ten. Of course I take it seriously. Now. I believe that is everything I need,” she stood up, asking a few last second questions as she gathered up her things. Seeing his chance, Brucie walked her to the door.

“Really, Marinette, I would like to talk to you more. Would you like to come to the Manor tonight, for dinner maybe?”

Marinette smirked, opening the door before Bruce could and turning her head to say over her shoulder: “Not tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Do me a favor though, and try not to get too injured on patrol. I need you all in good enough shape to stand while I do your initial fittings later this week. Gotham might need it’s vigilantes, but you will all regret it if you break a bone before I can fit my prototypes to you.”

Nobody was able to say a word before she closed the door behind her and continued briskly to the elevator. Bruce stood, dumbfounded. Tim, Jason, and Dick, after a moment, started cackling.

“Oh yeah. That’s Damian’s sister.”

“Tt. At least this proves it.”

Bruce, suddenly very exhausted, turned to his son while rubbing his forehead. “Proves what, Damian?”

His trademark razor sharp smirk overtook his face as Damian replied: “Your blood children really are much more competent and effective than the strays you took in.”

“Hey!”

—*—*—*—*—*

“You didn’t have a full conversation?” Adrien guessed, looking exactly like the cat who caught the canary. Marinette had her head in her hands, her entire face red.

“I didn't know how to have an actual conversation with them, Adrien! You should have seen it, Monsieur Wayne—“

“You can just say your father, you know.”

“—Wanted to talk about feelings. Emotions! Gooey, family stuff and probably sentimental things. In front of so many people, too. I panicked!”

“You panicked and went full Business Empress mode,” Adrien agreed, patting her back in both comfort and condescension. “It’s okay. You at least agreed to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Fuuuuuuuuuck, I diiiiiid. Quick, let’s come up with a way to fake my kidnapping.”

“No.”

“Damn.”

[bitimdrake]

batfam new 52 timeline, ver 1

Version 1, because I still have a few years of new 52 comics to read before I am out of hell, and those will presumably have more details. And wildly contradict this :) :) But here is my current best guess at the timeline, based on comics published from 2011-2012. @silverwhittlingknife

I’m using the very start of the New 52 as the origin point for all these numbers. Also, note that anything said to be “X years ago” isn’t necessarily exactly X years ago, so there’s room for rounding.

Jim Gordon has been on the force for at least a decade, but it could be multiple decades (Detective Comics #2).

Bruce left Gotham some time after his 18th birthday (Batman: The Dark Knight #0). We also know he started his training at least 10 years ago (DC#0). This makes his minimum age now 28. I hate it here.

Bruce returned to Gotham 7 years ago (DC#0, second story).

Bruce tried to operate as an un-costumed vigilante before becoming Batman 6 years ago (Batman #0). The Joker has also been active for 6 years (DC#1). Jim Gordon was a lieutenant at the time (Batman #0).

5 years ago: Tim was in middle school, and implied by dialogue to be the correct age for his grade; Jason had already lost his mother and was involved in petty crime; Barbara was in school (Batman #0, second story).

Dick’s parents died 5 years ago, on his mother’s birthday. He was initially taken to a Wayne Care Center. (Nightwing #0) I’ve heard people say he was 15 at the time, and others say 16, but I have yet to come across an explicit reference to either age.

Dick trained with Bruce and worked the computers for months while still under the care of the center, before becoming Robin (Nightwing #0).

Barbara, then in college, became Batgirl 4 years ago .

I don’t yet have an explicit reference to when Jason became Robin, but working backwards I am forced to say it was at least 3.5 years ago (see his resurrection below). He was with Bruce for two years (Red Hood and the Outlaws #4), with the first six months spent in training (RHatO#0).

(This means Dick was Robin for around 1.5 years, or less if we push Jason’s introduction back.)

Dick had an older, blue version of the Nightwing costume when Jason was Robin. While in that costume, at some point he worked with Roy and Kory. This is shown a single panel without explanation, so I have no other information here. (RHatO #6)

Still in college, Barbara moved on from Batgirl and then was shot and paralyzed 3 years ago (Batgirl #0). She was 17 at the time (Batgirl #16). She was in a wheelchair for those next 3 years (Batgirl #1). There has so far been no mention at all of Oracle and I am extremely upset.

Jason came back to life roughly 1.5 years ago, and Dick had swapped to his current red Nightwing costume by the time they fought (RHatO #2). In order to give Dick as much time as Robin as possible, I have opted to say Jason came back very soon after dying. But you could say he died even earlier if you’re willing to shorten Dick’s tenure.

Tim and Bruce met after Jason’s death, and Tim became Robin (Batman #1; Batman and Robin #1, #10; Teen Titans #1, Annual #1). Wait! No!! DC changed their mind!!!! He was never Robin; he was only ever Red Robin (TT#0, #15).

Just after his 10th birthday, also 1.5 years ago, Damian met his father (Batman and Robin #0).

(This means Tim had approximately twelve seconds as the youngest child, but it’s not like N52!Tim cares about Bruce or Robin or anything but his own ambitions anyway, so probably he doesn’t care.)

Barbara started treatment on her spine 1 year ago (Batgirl #4).

Barbara met future Birds of Prey Black Canary and Starling 1 year ago, while she was Batgirl, completely contradicting the 3 year injury timeline (Birds of Prey #0). Or...perhaps this was not a year ago, but shortly before the New 52 starts? See below.

Dick was Batman for almost a year (Nightwing #1). I’m not sure if there have actually been any references to Bruce being “dead” though, so who can fucking say if that happened.

The New 52 current time begins. Chronologically, the first Bat issue is Detective Comics #1. Barbara has recently become able-bodied and returned to being Batgirl. Dick has recently taken off the cowl and gone back to being Nightwing. Bruce and Damian have recently started working together as Batman and Robin, probably, I think, maybe. The characterization certainly feels like it, but we are short on details, so idk maybe they’ve been working together for ages.

Barbara is old enough to legally drink (Batgirl #2). Since we know she was 17 when shot 3 years ago, this must mean that “3 years” is rounding down a bit, and she is exactly 21 now.

Damian is still 10 (Batman and Robin #1, #4).

No other ages can be pinpointed yet, but Dick is probably 21 as well, Jason is mumblemumble, and Tim is presumably 15-18.

Tim starts forming the Teen Titans, which is probably maybe the first team with that name, except maybe not, but also yes (but is it?) Science cannot say.

The events of Death of the Family occur 1 year after the New 52 began (Batman #13 is a year after the Joker ditched his face in DC#1. Nightwing #15 is a year after Dick returned to the circus in N#1. Batgirl #15 confirms it has now been 4 years since Barbara’s injury.).

Damian is still 10 (Batman and Robin #14).

There are two big notes to add to this. First, the #0 issues of all these books came out one irl year after the New 52 began, between #12 and #13 issues. (And #13s were also an in-universe year after the New 52 began, per the DotF crossover.) Therefore, it is possible some of the dates given by those issues should actually have a year subtracted. This is what I chose to believe in order to make BoP#0 make any sense.

However, there are some places where we can be certain the dates given in #0s are correct--e.g. Dick’s parents dying 5 years ago, Barbara being injured 3 years ago--because they’re confirmed by other issues.

Second, as you may notice, Damian has been 10 for about two and a half years now, which is not usually how aging works. Characters not aging even as time passes in-universe is something I am willing to accept in comics, but this is a lot more bothersome to me when it’s also wrong in backstory.

You could also chose to apply the previous point here, and say “1.5 years ago” in Batman and Robin #0 meant 1.5 years before the then-current state of the DCU, so only 0.5 years before the start of the New 52. This is slightly problematic in conjunction with Dick being Batman for “almost a year,” but we can stretch and say Dick was slightly overestimating, and “1.5 years��� was slightly underestimating, to line those dates up. That means Damian first meets the fam shortly before Dick takes over as Batman, which is pretty similar to post-crisis.

And that’s what I’ve got so far, which I will eventually return to update as it is surely wildly contradicted by the next set of comics :) Welcome to my nightmare :) :)

[crimson-mage-02]

A True Blessing

Summary: This is my first day prompt for Damirae Week of 2021. Damian and Raven are expecting their new child and were both looking forward to raising their child together and overcome their fears and worries as they got support from their loved ones.

Damian was helping his father with the paper work in his private office while thinking of Raven who was stuck at home, tending to herself and their baby that is growing in her belly. He cannot believe he was going to be a father! He hasn’t told his family yet and was struggling to break out the news to them to the rest of their family and friends.

And on that side note, he and Raven aren’t married yet. He sighed heavily and rubbed his face tiredly. He looked over at a box on his desk and grabbed it, opening seeing a ring with green and purple gemstones. “Damian?”

He gasped softly and put the ring in the drawer and stood up from his chair and grabbed the papers. “Metropolis needs all of the files that you had made, Father.” Damian said quickly looking at his father who had a smirk on his face.

“Damian, you need to stop worry the future and start focusing on the present. I am sure Raven is thinking the same thing, son.” Bruce chuckled at his son as he sat down putting the papers on his desk.

“This was not apart of the plan, Father. We planned to wait for another few years. I must admit I am ecstatic of this news, but….it is too soon.” Damian admitted. The thought of becoming father is terrifying……he doesn’t know what to do or what he can do to help Raven.

“I know. It is difficult at first, but all you need to do is to be there for her. As she has always been by your side. Do you love her?”

“Forever until the day I die.” Damian replied certainly seeing his father smiling brightly.

“Then be with her. Share your hardships with each other. There is no shame in that. Dick and Kori had no problems in raising their daughter even they aren’t married yet. They just needed each other’s support.” Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder.

Damian smiled back with a nod. “Thank you, Father. And I am sorry. I am really trying here to work at your company, but I think…I may not inherit this company after all.”

Bruce smiled in understanding and put his hands together behind his back. “I know. Dick has told me of your dilemma. I understand that, Damian. You have changed for the best. For your friends and for her.”

Damian smiled at his father and stood up straight. “Thank you, Father. I…I really needed that advice. I’ll also look over the report you have then I am done of the day.” Bruce nodded and let him do the rest of his work while he walking out of his office. He smiled at the thought of having a new grandchild or grandchildren.

It was a stressful day for Damian and his father, taking care of the files they needed sorting. The young Wayne sighed deeply and leaned his head back on his chair, looking up at the ceiling while imaging Raven holding their child in her arms, so calm, so loving and nurturing. He was shaking nervously thinking of the moment when he will be holding his own child in his very his hands. He fears he’ll drop his own child and be embarrassed for the rest of his bloody life.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and got it out seeing a text message from his teammates, Garfield and Jaime. I can tell them, right? Maybe a drink for tonight won’t hurt since Rachel is out with Kori babysitting her daughter.

He texted them back and looked at the time seeing his shift was over. He got the things he needed to go home and saw his father talking with Selina. Damian smiled and greeted his soon-to-be stepmother.

“Hello, Damian. I hope you are doing well.” Selina greeted him with a soft smile.

“I have been well. How are you?” Damian asked her while carrying his case.

“Well, the wedding is going smoothly of course, and we need to work on the other types of stuff, like the food, the tables and the colours of the cloths oh, and the flowers.” Selina said, remembering she has to order which flowers she would like to have. “Anyways, enough about the wedding, how are you and Raven? Five years has passed, ready for the next step, big fella?”

Damian chuckled at the thought of him and Raven being together for five years. “We have been well, we have our own apartment and we certainly are taking things slow.” Not forgetting with the fact we are expecting a child.

“Oh how wonderful, but you were leaving the part where you are expecting a child soon.” Selina winked at him. Damian glared at his father who smirked at him. He must’ve told him after their break and after his meeting.

“Yes, we are expecting our first child together.” Damian nodded.

Selina grinned bigger as she patted his shoulder. “Boy, you are working with your father, as a vigilante at age 22. Hmm, does sound hectic.”

“We are not yet married as well. That is the part I am most afraid of.” Damian said, looking away, looked down at the floor.

“Son, you two will be fine. I promise. Everything will work out. You deserve some rest after today. Go have fun with your friends and Raven.” Bruce said softly.

He thanked them and took his leave. He walked down to the carpark, grabbed his keys, and started to drive to the bar where his friends were. He hoped that the night will be much better that he is spending more time with his friends, then after that he could see Rachel at home.

Meanwhile, Rachel and Kori were spending equality time with each other while Mari was playing around, doing her own thing, and behaved very well. “Thanks.” Rachel thanked the Tamarian Princess.

“Of course. I made this special iced chocolate just for you! And for my darling daughter.” Kori smiled lovingly. “Dick is out with the boys and probably Damian.”

“Yeah, he texted me a while ago. He said he’ll come by home late tonight.” Raven smiled at her friend. She also rubbed her stomach, though Kori loved seeing her beaming with excitement. “How does it feel? You being a mother?”

“Oh it is wonderful Raven. It may be nerve wreaking at first, but it is all worth it when you have someone by your side to encourage you.” Kori smiled assuring her friend. “I must tell you Dick was pretty much a mess before she arrived in our lives.”

“I can imagine. But I don’t know what Damian’s reaction might be.” Raven said, looking down at the young girl in front of her, giving her soft toy to hold. She smiled and held it for her as she ran to the kitchen to get something to eat or drink. “She’s a well-behaved little girl.”

“She is. And Dick is such a great father. He comes home early just to see her. And often brings some toys home for her.” Kori chuckled with amusement as she watched her daughter getting a cup of milk for herself and a cookie in her hand. “I am sure Damian will dote on your child.”

“God, I hope that Damian and Dick won’t compete with each other when the baby will arrive.” Raven chuckled nervously as she fidget with her hands, thinking of numerous scenarios where the two brothers will compete one another. It’ll be amusing. But over time, it might be overwhelming for her and Kori. She hoped that she can be a good mother to her heart’s content. She never knew much of raising a child but, Kori had given her advise on raising her newborn baby when the time comes.

Damian has his own doubts and they have been talking about it for a while now. It calms her down that they do talk a lot of things beforehand. She loved how he assures her every time that everything will be fine.

Damian had arrived home in their apartment put his keys on the counter and saw a few books on the table and his girlfriend’s laptop opened. He saw the site was about childbirth and taking care of new born.

“Rachel?” Damian called out to his girlfriend who was out of sight. He put his suitcase on the table, took off his jacket and searched for her in their apartment. He saw Titus was sleeping peacefully on the couch, snoring softly with his chew toy by his side. He walked up the stairs and went in his bedroom seeing Rachel was watching videos of mother’s taking care of their new babies in their arms. Looks filled with love, care, and devotion. He saw how a mother cradled her baby in her arms. Handled with great care. He vowed to be the same with his child and to be able to protect the woman he loves.

“Rachel?”

Rachel turned to see her boyfriend had arrived home from work. “Oh, Damian. Sorry, I was uh, just doing some research.”

“I could see that. I know you are concerned about this, Rachel. You know I will be here for you. No matter what.” Damian assured her, pulling her into a tight hug. “Everything will be fine as long as we have each other.”

“I am just nervous.” Rachel said, hugging him tightly around his neck.

“Nervous? You are never nervous.” Damian raised an eyebrow, wrapping his arm around her waist while his free hand was placed on her belly. But she was rarely showing.

“I uh, we never know what might happen once our child will come. How do we even know I am going to be a good mother?” Rachel asked worriedly.

“Rachel. You will be a great mother and I know it. You have been preparing for this since we found out you are pregnant.” Damian smiled at her softly.

“How about you? Aren’t you afraid? Nervous?” Rachel asked him, caressing his neck.

Damian sighed and kissed her on the lips softly before answering her question while looking into her eyes. “Yes, I am nervous. Terrified in fact, but I have you. And you.” he knelt down to hug her around her belly with a smile, making her laugh.

“Damian, there is barely any bump.” Rachel chuckled.

“I don’t care, I just want to hold our son or daughter. I’ll take good care of you two. I want to be a good father to our child. Even though we aren’t married yet.” Damian realising they’re still in a relationship and not married.

“Well, we all have the time in the world. We’ll have each other, no matter what happens, we be there during our toughest times.” Rachel smiled at him and kissed him on the lips passionately.

“Oh, I am so excited to see my darling niece or nephew. I will absolutely plan all of the playdates in the future for our children.” Kori squealed as Raven chuckled softly while rubbing her belly.

(~)

“So, a Baby Roth-Wayne is on the way now! Not long to go!” Garfield grinned brightly. “How you feeling, bro? Nervous? Excited?”

Damian turned to his friend beside him, holding a glass of beer. He was feeling all kids of emotions inside him and cannot describe how he was feeling of becoming a father. He smiled softly. “I am just nervous and excited. As well as Rachel.”

“I am sure everything will be fine. I know so. If you need any help, we have your back.” Jaime offered, patting his back.

“Yeah, we can babysit your kid so you can have lots of time with your girl.” Connor winked at Damian who rolled his eyes playfully. As great as that sounds, but they are both planning to raise their child first and then possibly get married in the future after a few years. When their first child is ready for another sibling in the family.

“Well, that I do not mind, but we are just focusing on our first child.” Damian said, drinking his beverage.

“So have you thought of names?” Wally asked eating a few food from his plate and drank his beer.

This hit Damian so hard he remembered he hasn’t selected a name for his child with Raven. He groaned softly and rubbed his eyes tiredly. “No, we haven’t. We uh, didn’t think if a name. But we don’t even know the gender yet.”

“I bet it will be a girl. It’ll be nice to see you with a baby girl in your arms.” Garfield teased as he was smacked on the head by him.

“Or a new Wayne baby boy.” Jaime chuckled as he drank his beer. “You could have one boy and one girl. You’ll have one of each!”

“Ooh twins! Now that is more exciting.” Wally laughed wholeheartedly.

“And exhausting to be honest, but still we do not mind if we have twins. It will be a true blessing to have two children.” Damian smiled lovingly and imagined them holding their child in their arms. He thought from the very beginning he would not find anyone until he met Raven when he first came to the Tower. He felt an instant connection with her as soon as he laid eyes on her. he felt an instant connection with his beloved.

“So, any mood swings, cravings surfacing?” Wally asked as he finished the last bit of the chips with a grin seeing there aren’t any left for them to eat. “Sorry. Speedster thing.”

“Quite alright. I’ll be eating with Rachel this evening and she has been craving for a lot of food. She has been driving me crazy with them, but I have to live with that.” Damian chuckled remembering how Rachel was asking for some more food at midnight and he had driven to the nearest store to get what she really craved. He has no complaints at all whatsoever. He wanted to ensure she was looked after.

But one time, he had suffered her enraging moon swings with her powers being out of control. The minute she was all cheery then she was a raging pregnant woman. He was glad he had survived that night. He shuddered at the thought of her using her powers on him and making him sleep on the couch. He noted himself that he’d never anger her ever again.

“Aww, Damian has all softened up. That’s nice!” Garfield teased him. “The first time we saw him he was all grouchy, silent and ignorant runt. Now look at him, he’s all soft, kind, caring and sweet to Raven.”

Damian growled softly as his friends chuckled softly. “May I remind you I did not know how to socialise when I first met you all?”

“Yeah, but Raven has changed you for the better. You have changed because of her. She was a great influence in your life. She loved every part of you. And she never given up on you. She hasn’t at all.” Jaime smiled.

Damian smiled lovingly remembering all of the moments he had shared with her. She is everything to him and he swore to protect her and their child. No matter what. He’ll always be there for her. Through thick and thin. “Yeah, I am glad……that you have found happiness, Damian.” Connor nodded in agreement.

“Thank you, boys. For this heartfelt talk. I must go. I promised Rachel I’d be home early. And by the way, I’ll be paying. It’s my treat. Only this time.” Damian stated with a smirk.

“Alright, thanks.” Wally grinned as he watched his friend paying for their beers and food. “Wow, he is really becoming a father soon. Can you imagine one of us will become a father?”

“Yeah, never imagined they didn’t use protection when they did it.” Jaime chuckled with amusement as the others laughed softly. “But still, it is amazing they have will have their kid soon. Does anyone knows who is the godfather?”

All of the boys all looked at one another until they all shouted. “I CALL GODFATHER!” Then they all argued on who claimed to be the godfather of Damian and Raven’s child. They all were shouting and breaking some of the cups and plates into the bar, causing all of the people looking at the entertainment they were giving them. Later after 20 minutes, they were kicked out of the bar after creating a disturbance.

“Great, this is my favourite bar, I have never been kicked out in my entire life.” Garfield whined with tears rolling down his eyes. “You ruined it, guys.”

“Ugh, let’s just go back to the Tower, we’ll grab more beers on the way home.” Jaime said as he started to walk along the footpath.

(~)

Later that night Damian had arrived in his apartment, opened the door, and looked to the side seeing Raven was cooking some dinner for them but she was eating a piece of a chicken drumstick already. He chuckled softly at the sight of his girlfriend cooking. He took off his jacket and placed his case on the table. He walked towards her slowly and wrapped his arms around and rubbed her stomach with a loving smile. Moved her long hair out of the way and kissed her bare shoulder. “Hello, beloved.”

“Hi. How was your day?” Raven asked kissing his temple with her hand running through his hair.

“It was stressful, I went out for drinks with the boys then it got better when I am home with you and with you.” Damian placed a kiss on her lips before he bent down to kiss her stomach to feel their child. Their child was already kicking like a true little Robin.

“Well, I am making your favourite. Curry. Don’t worry, it’s a little bit spicy.” Raven smiled softly, letting him rub her belly and back to make her feel more relaxed. She always had felt so relaxed whenever he comes home to give her soothing rubs on her back.

“Smells amazing, beloved. How was your day?” Damian asked her.

“Well, I talked to Kori and she wants our child to have play dates with Mar’i in the future. Hope that is alright with you.” Raven replied as she got the rice all ready to go with him helping to get the plates out on their small table. Soon after the baby was born, they might need to find a bigger house for themselves.”

“I am fine as long as Grayson won’t go overboard with this competition of his.” Damian smirked, placing the cutleries on the table along with their plates and bowls. He helped her to get the pot on the center of the table. “I swear he has been listing the things he wanted to do with our child and his own.”

“At least our child will be able to experience to have fun. Unlike us, we…we shared the similar childhood. I want to make sure that our child will have a happy childhood.” Raven hoped as she started to eat her meal.

“I do hope so too. And I was wondering, Rachel.” Damian said, pouring some water for her and himself.

“Yeah?”

“Have your thought of names yet?” Damian asked her while watching her eating mouth full of the curry. She swallowed It softly before she thought of names for their new child. She has been thinking about for it for a very long time. “It’s okay if you haven’t.”

“No, no. I have. If it’s a girl, I want it to be after my mother, Arella.” Raven smiled lovingly as she rubbed her bump while he did the same. “How about you? You thought of any names for a boy?”

“I have not. But I would want the middle name to be Thomas. After my grandfather. On my father’s side.” Damian replied with a smile.

“I was thinking the name Ravian. As the first name.” Raven smiled as she ate her rice curry. “I have been combining our names together and that was the best one so far.”

“Ravian. Sounds wonderful, beloved. I love it. So we have Arella Jade Wayne, Ravian Thomas Wayne. I also have Martha Violet Wayne. Another option for a girl.” Damian smiled, drinking his beer.

“I love it. I love them all, Damian. I cannot wait until we get to see our baby.” Raven smiled lovingly at her boyfriend. “I was trying to brainstorm for another name for a boy. I was thinking Rian.”

Damian hummed as he rubbed his chin. “Sounds like a very strong name. yes, I do suppose we can have that as an option.”

“So, uh, how was talking to your dad? I saw the text that you had talked to him before today with Selina.” Raven said, finishing her meal as she drank her water from her purple cup that was next to her books.

“Ah, yes, he was very supportive. And he has given me very good advice.” Damian sighed softly. “he was also excited to have another grandchild in the family.”

Raven chuckled softly. “Of course and uh, Selina had given us a new bassinet for us. She had given us another one. It’s like she was predicting we’d have twins.”

“It would be nice. One girl and one boy. But tiring to manage two babies all at once. I talked about this with the boys in the bar.” Damian chuckled nervously as Raven knew he would be nervous to raise a child at this young age. “They are all excited to see our child once it he or she is born.”

“I am also excited as well Damian and I cannot wait to be a mother to your child.” Raven caressed his cheek softly. “We will get through this, together.”

“Together.” Damian kissed her on the lips passionately while he placed his hand on her bump feeling his baby kicking softly.

(~)

Months later, all of the Wayne and Kent family had arrived at the hospital along with the Titans were all waiting. Patiently and anxiously. It has been a few hours after Raven had gone into labour. All of them had heard her pained screams.

Then after a few hours, the nurses had come and collected their families. They all went into their private room seeing Raven cradling one baby in her arm with Selina gasping excitedly until she stopped in her tracks to see her stepson was carrying another baby with a purple blanket. She looked between the two as Bruce by her side realised, they had twins.

“Twins?!” Selina exclaimed softly, stroking of the baby’s head.

“The both of us did not know. The doctor had got the ultrasound wrong. We have two beautiful girls.” Damian said, lovingly sitting on the sofa, cradling his youngest twin daughter.

“They both are beautiful. Which one is which?” Bruce asked, softly smiling lovingly at his granddaughter.

Raven had said that the one she was carrying in a light blue blanket is named Arella Jade Wayne and the one her boyfriend was holding is Martha Violet Wayne. Damian turned to his father with a smile and let him carry Martha in his arms. “We both had decided to name her after my grandmother, Father. I do hope it is alright.”

“It is a great choice, son. I am sure she would be so proud.” Bruce smiled, carrying his granddaughter while Raven let Selina carry Arella. “I assume you named her after your mother as well.”

“Yes, I have.” Raven nodded.

“And they are beautiful names. Oh, how they are precious!” Selina kissed her granddaughter on the forehead. She bounced her in her arms lightly with Damian kissing his tired girlfriend on her hospital bed.

“How you feeling beloved?” Damian whispered.

“Tired. But I want to see everyone.” Raven chuckled tiredly. With that being said, their other family and friends have walked in the room quietly and saw their beloved twin daughters. It was a wonderful moment they all had with their loved ones and had vowed to protect, to cherish their moments with their daughters.

[zayray030]

Do you even care?

Chapter: 4/5

Chaper Title: Let me tell you how bad you messed up.

Summary: Damian finally explodes when asked why he believes those bullies. They're all willing to wait though.

“What are you doing here?!” asked Damian confused when he saw his old team along with Colin, Maya and Suren.

“Well what do you remember?” asked Maya.

“Those cretins attacking me and saying that no one loves me. Not exactly wrong but still, just because somethings true doesn't mean you should say it.” he whispered the last part to himself but Clark and Jon heard and boy if they didn't feel like the worst sacks of shit to exist on earth.

“And they're lying.” said Colin.

“Are they?” Damian asked him, raising an eyebrow, arms wrapped around himself.

“Yes, Damian! What makes you think otherwise?” asked Kori but she could tell it was the wrong thing to say when Damian lowered his head.

“Okay then let's start with you lot. The moment you all got you all decided to leave. You all decided that you didn't want anything to do with me and when Grayson offered you a place on his team, what did you do? You joined him without another thought. Didn't even try to talk or contact me after that.” he said harshly, still not looking up at any of them.

The old titans had the sense to look down in slight shame. It wasn't the fact that none of them had wanted anything to do with Damian, they just thought he would be happy without them. Raven's heart was starting to crack with how sad Damian's emotions were.

“My current team thinks of me as a complete joke after I fired West because he had given his speed force connection to deathstroke. Not to mention being the only human doesn't exactly bring you a lot of respect with superheroes.” when it looked like the metas in the room where going to complain Damian just looked up with a single raised eyebrow and they deflated. He was right.

“Maya left me for an entire year after we got into a petty argument and hadn't tried to talk to me since.” Maya looked down slightly in shame. “Colin was truly happy away from Gatgam and me so I decided the best way for him to be fully happy was if I wasn't there.” Colin’s eyes had begun to tear up at the confession and he had to hold back from squeezing Damian into a hug. “Suren was too busy in magic to even care about me.” Suren looked down in shame. He truly hadn't meant to forget about Damian. “Maps’s parents decided that they didn't want their daughter associated with me and she's taken to ignoring me.” Maya clenched her fists, mentally reminding herself to find that girl later.

“My own brothers hate my guts and try to find any reason to humiliate me.” Damian spat out hurt, anger and betrayal swirling around in those words.

The boys had the sense to look ashamed of themselves and didn't try to cut Damian off as he finally let everything out.

“Drake hates my  guts and tries to make a point to remind me and everyone else about that every chance he gets.”

Tim looked down on shame. Did he truly do that? Did he truly make his brother feel so unloved that he would believe a bunch of spoiled brats?

“Todd barely gives me the time of day unless he wants something from me. He hasn't tried to get to know me one bit and I don't know what hurts more. The fact that I can still remember him from my time at the League or the fact that he left me with them.” snarled Damian and Bruce let out a sharp gasp.

Jason felt guilt swirl against him. He had remembered a small child there but had thought it was another baby assassin in the making and hadn't thought much of it. He had been too busy thinking about his revenge against Bruce to actually put any thought through it.

“Grayson has been the only person in this family to show me love without strings attached and even then he uses it.” said Damian and Dick adopted a confused look. “He left me the moment he got and disappeared back to Bludhaven. Far away from me. He then pretended to be dead even when I needed him the most. He then decided to scream at me in front of his girlfriend just because I had wanted to save him.” Damian continued and so did Dick's guilt that was growing.

“Cassandra hasn't even tried to get to know me. And I thought…I thought she would be able to understand me considering the fact that we both went through the same thing.” he whispered, hurt lacing his voice like poison and Cass felt guilt like she hadn't felt for a long time.

“My father belittles me for every little action I do and doesn't try to get things from my perspective before immediately jumping to conclusions about me. My mother raised me to kill and belittles me just as much as father. And don't even get me started on my grandfather.” he said bitterly.

“And Jonathan?” he said, chuckling bitterly. “Tt. He leaves me the moment he gets an invitation to the Legion of Superheroes and decides to call me Baby Hitler. He treats me as if I'm dirt from the bottom of his shoe and ignores me whenever he can.”

Jonathan looked down. Part because of the complete shame he felt at the hurt he had bought Damian and part because the numerous nasty glares sent his way.

“So now ask me again. Why would I believe what those entitled brats had said when it's true?” he asked the room. Raven eventually hovered over his bed and sat down.

“We know that no amount of apologies is going to make up for what we did to you.” she said and Damian scoffed.

“But we are willing to wait.”said Jaime. He had been silent throughout Damian's speech but his guilt hadn't. Even the bug had been quiet.

“Really?” he asked incredulously. When everyone nodded he took a deep breath. “I don't want to be Robin then.” when he heard a mix of sounds he held his hands up to continue. “Most of the problems stemmed from me being Robin and truthfully, I think it would be nice to sleep for a while and not wake up to a dozen or so bruises covering your torso.” he added lightly, as if to joke. It had the desired effect and numerous people snorted.

“That's more than okay, Damian.” said his father, relief evident in his voice. He had his cowl down and Damian could see the love in them that he had never seen before.

“Also can I have a cat?” he added. Bruce just held back his groan at the thought of getting another pet but he saw Damian's face and gave in. What was the harm anyway?

“Sure.”

And even though they all knew that things won't be all dandy and cheary, they knew that they would be able to pull through.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 5

[herstarburststories]

Batfam Headcanon: Pregnancy

✾ Request: Can I request a batfam headcanon? Batboys reactions when Kory says she’s pregnant of Mar’i. Btw love you page💕

✾ A/N: You teased me about dickkory, now you got a bible. That’s how it goes. Also, added Babs, Alfred and Bruce as bonus. And I’m glad you enjoy my work! Ps: I barely know Duke, tha’s why he doesn’t show up here.

✾ Disclaimer: Main relationship is Dick Grayson x Koriand’r. Mentions of Tim x Steph and Tim x Kon (kind of?). Check my Fandoms’ liist to see which Ships I’ll write for.

                                                  ━─┈ ✧

Dick Grayson

I'm gonna use unpublished Nightwing #30 here: he and Kory had sex when he was getting ready for the agente stuff.

Once Agent 37 is off the deal, they end up finding each other again. A bit before Dick gets shoot.

And then, as usually it is between the acrobat and the alien princess, they do it again. 

Over and over again.

She gets pregnant and finds out by the time Dick is amnesic.

Don't @ me DC would do that.

Kory flies towards Bludhaven & talks to him. It's not exactly successful. As he had said to Babs before, he didn't want his memories back. Ric was happy without Dick's conscience.

But Starfire isn't asking for her; it's about him, of course. He should be himself, he worked very hard through years to become who he truly was. But mostly, she begged him to come back because of a new addition to their lives.

Pregnant alien!!

At first, Ric Grayson doesn't believe it. Actually, part of him is aware that's true, he can feel it in the change inside his heart when he saw her; something similar to shame and adoration and excitement at once. Kory moved, talked, and seemed like someone he could love, be completely crazy about.

But he wasn't a father!

Koriand'r leaves, and Grayson is by himself again. Without his Gotham or Titans affiliates.

And, for the first time, there is no comfort in that.

He could tell she wasn't lying. Even though a part of his treacherous new mind tried to convince him otherwise.

Grayson's mind didn't know any gorgeous alien, let alone a pregnant with his child alien.

Yet, Dick felt like he had her in his veins. Just like he did with Bruce, Damian, Barbara, Donna, and the others. Tickles behind his skin, a red alarm for a memory that was long lost. But the sensation of keeping it somewhere remained inside him.

Although, when it came to the redhead princess, the warmth inside him was more intense.

Dick was going to be a father. He didn't even know his whole self and would be needed to take care of someone else. Someone small, part of him, and the legacy of the Flying Grayson's. Besides, he didn't even actually remember the mother of his kid.

didn't even remember making the kid.

He calls Bruce. Telling him to bring the antidote that Barbara was keeping if he wanted his memories back.

Not for him, not because it was the right thing, not because of everyone who claimed to love him cried for Dick to do that. Not even because of familiar senses holding into him every time he interacted with someone from his past.

But because he was going to be a father.

This decision was for his child.

When Bruce, Babs, and Damian ask why, he doesn't answer.

He remembers now, and he needs to find Kory.

It's scary, exciting, and the biggest surprise she ever gave to him-- even more scandalous than the day she fell on earth and kissed him.

A dad! He would be a dad!

Jason Todd

It all started off as an unusual ordinary day; 

Roy got himself in trouble, Jason went to help him and the little problem became a bigger situation. Roy called Kory and a few minutes later, the situation was replaced by dust and fire smell. No one died, but it was enough to make the villains leave.

In the middle of ''What the fuck they wanted?" & "Who were they?" wonders, the original Outlaws heard a familiar motorcycle's noise which made Jason huff, Roy arch eyebrows and Kory confused. 

Dick Grayson was there.

He was hysterical, blue eyes flaming with worry and relief towards Kory. Between their couple discussion and the others attempt to understand what was going on 

Were they back together? Did dick know about the outlaws' way and was sticking his nose where it didn't belong? Did the titans need kory urgently? 

Until 'pregnant' left Dick's lips, being followed by Kory's chaotic scream of "Just because I am pregnant, it does not mean I can not fight!"

Roy just had to get closer to them and explain that it would make no good to go through stressful situations, especially if he got it right. 

A deep breath would be taken, and then Dick would apologize to Kory, saying he was just really scared for both of them. She'd look at her Outlaw friends and curve the corner of her lips-- that Kory smile that translate into 'I've seen hell and chose to use its flames to warm up the cold places of my heart.'

‘’Jason, Roy. . . I am expecting a baby.’’

Meanwhile, Jason was taking off his helmet and glaring at his friends with a perplexed look on his face. Also, a slightly desire of punching Dick. Last time he had heard of their relationship, it was about both of them avoiding each other, his older brother telling him to take care of Kory and Jason calling Dick an idiot. Yeah, he had to have a chat with him later.

For now, Roy was pulling him and Kory into a group hug.

Almost felt like their old times together.

Roy: Outlaw baby!!  /  Dick: Excuse me?

Tim Drake

Okay, okay. First of all, he wasn't planning on seeing any member of his family for a quite while. Not that Tim didn't want to, he was just really running out of time. Being Young Justice's leader was a full time job, and he wanted to be excellent at it.

But things don't always pass by as they were settle to. Therefore, when a disaster happens and Conner, of all people, gets hurt, Tim is in a delicate state of mind.

Drake is smart. He knows it isn't just about Conner. It's all the small things he's been keeping since Gotham.

Not enough sleep, but a certain amount of coffee to make his hands shake when it's late enough for the sun to come out weakly. His relationship with Steph is growing with disagreements from both lives; heroic and urban. His best friend is hurt because he analyzed too much a situation instead of telling his team what to do, so they made their independent choices. A dumb mistake, the kind that Batman would be disappointed of. Tim himself was biting his own neck about it. How could he be a leader? He should be better than that.

And then, he made a call. Because of all things he might be and might not be, he wasn't Batman.

Tim had friends, and a brother that would know what he was going through.

And he knew how to ask for help sometimes.

Dick comes by as fast as possible. They go to the roof and talk it out.

"Remember that they aren't just your team, Tim," He would say, a tranquil smile on his face. It's so similar to how he explained his relationship with the Titans when Drake was still Robin years ago. "They are your family. It's impossible for you not to be affected when they get hurt or something goes wrong. But they are alive. They still trust you. They believe, and need you. You need to give yourself some credit, and do your best for them."

OF COURSE Tim is stubborn about that because Dick is Dick and he basically grew with the Titans, it wasn't the same thing. He didn't have his older brother's skills to command, communicate, etc.

It was scary.

"Yet, Tim, a lot of things are scary. But you have to keep going. For who needs saving. For yourself. For the people you love."

His tone is too sentimental, even for Dick's big brother moments.

"You need to find something to fight for. That's how you keep going, even when you make mistakes. Good news, you already have it. "

Tim: Yeah, I think so. . . You came back to the Titans? I still have access to the computers.

Dick: Yeah, no. Kind if. It's complicated.

Tim: "Complicated? Like. . . Alien kind of complication?"

Dick: "You should know about that, huh?"

BLUSHING, STUTTERING TIM. Cutting it because I already mentioned Steph, but I couldn't miss this opportunity ok.

Dick just laughs about it.

"Starfire isn't complicated, but yeah. We are still deciding if we will keep in the Titans or if we are going to Bludhaven for now."

"It sounds serious, even permanent."

"As permanent as a baby can be."

HHSHHSUSJJSIUSIE

BABY?

IS SHE PREGNANT??

Yeah, Tim was pretty wake, and shaking, and his brain felt like burning right now.

OH MY-- DICK

He was going to be a FATHER.

"YOU ARE GONNA BE A PARENT!"

But then, Dick was the older one and the best with kids.

"WAIT, SHE WILL BE HALF ALIEN. An hybrid. In nature, two different but similar species can procreate, but their kid can't have kids. Do you think--"

"Tim, calm down. Can you at least give me congratulations before talking about my unborn child's probable infertility?"

Damian Wayne

He knew Kory and Dick had been seeing each other again.

Therefore, making one of them notice his presence before showing up was necessary.

He didn't want to accidentally see profanity between his brother figure and his team's current leader, thank you.

After an obvious noise, he got in Dick's apartment.

As expected, Starfire was there.

She was standing up, and Grayson and looking at her tearful, while holding her belly.

It wasn't possible.

Grayson wouldn't be that irresponsible, would he?

Of course he would.

" So, I supposed Starfire either has a deadly bellyache, or you two are procreating. "

He is mildly fearing that Dick won't have much time for him, but that's a matter for another time.

BONUS!

Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth

Dick visits the manor with Kory someday.

He had to give the news or Batman would end up knowing anyway.

Honestly, it wasn't about that. He actually wanted to tell Bruce about his baby.

Alfred was there when they exchanged greetings, politely as usual.

‘'We are having a baby.'’

Listen, Bruce knows how to keep his emotions under his skin, but his eldest son being a father?

This must be the most real expression he has showed in years, and it's full of emotions; he is content, and surprised, and worried.

Some would say that Alfred was tearfully, but kept his posture. Master Bruce really made it. Obstacles, of course, even more than necessary at times. Yet, he was going to be a grandfather, and master Dick was becoming a father.

Gotham had a sunny day for once.

Barbara Gordon 

If it's not Kory and Babs' baby, she will be aunt Babs

Something happens, help becomes needed.

Nightwing shows up in the middle of the combat, he was in Gotham to talk to Bruce & Alfred & Damian, anyway.

Batman dispersed him, though.

And Batgirl was confused by Batman's choice, especially after listening to his explanation:

"Nightwing, this is more dangerous than our usual job. I will take Robin and Batgirl. You have more urgent thinks to be taken care of. "

The dynamic duo leaves and there is just two long time friends. 

It doesn't take a half second for Barbara to notice Dick hiding something.

Sigh, sigh, sigh.

"All right, Dick Grayson. What did you do?"

"Apparently, a baby."

????????????

"He has been ditching me since he learned about Kory's pregnancy."

"KORY'S WHAT!?"

"You didn't even tell me you two were back together!"

"You lost your virginity to an attractive alien and now she is pregnant with your child. That is. . . Surprising."

"I am really happy for you, Dick."

"Thank you, Babs. . . You know what? Maybe it's time to actually introduce you to Kory."

Communicator ringing.

"After I take care of something. Go home, dad."

[vampire207343]

Martha Wayne Culpa

      What if ... Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s real name Martha Wayne the biological dayghter of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, who was staying with the Dupain-cheng duration of 3 years.

                                                                     ****

             Martha Wayne’s stay to Paris finally has come to an end after Graduating High School and Returning to Gotham city, to attend Gotham University with her half brother Damian Wayne for the next 4 years.  I became a movie star during that that time.

My brother Damian  start dating my best friend Irey West the Daughter of Wally West and his wife Linda west and my 2nd bestfriend, Mar’i Greyson the daughter of my oldest brother Dick Greyson and his wife Kori Greyson began dating Jon Kent the son of Clark Kent and his wife Loise Lane.

After Graduating University I left Gotham to go to England to shoot a movie, that's where I meet Felix Culpa also known as an Ice King that could rivals my brother Damian’s reputation. We become friends for the first year of know each other, but slowly falling in love with one another.

On the 2nd year of  Februry 14

     Felix Culpa ask Martha Wayne to be his girlfriend that Valentine’s day which she agree. They are offically a couple which I told my two friends irey and mar’i.

 It took 6 months after Felix and Martha began dating when the Martha’s older brothers find out that she’s dating someone that they went all the way to England just give the Boy a talk that if he ever hurt their sister in anyway they will rip him a new one. But in the end they end up liking him, especially Dick since he remind Felix his own youngest Brother Damian somewhat.

        In Paris France...

  Lila Rossi’s lies are expose during one of the Agreste Gala that Gabriel Agrest host from time to time. She expose to the whole Akuma class.

Many ex friends of “Marinette Dupain-Cheng” regret turning their back on her for this liar. But they haven’t Marinette since they all graduate College Francoise Dupont. And she left Paris and no knows where she is now. They went to the Dupain-Cheng to see if they know where Marinette is only for them to find out that Marinette wasn’t even their daughter. They were Marinette’s host family in Paris for the duration of her stay in Paris. 

And Marinette’s name isn’t even her real name since she was their to stay to have a low profile so they don’t even know her real name. But they do know it’s start with Mar... other than that they got nothing.

      Alya Cesaire end up ruwining her own future as a journalist for posting lies in her web about many famous people that Lila told her about without double checking her source. In fact many news campany she’s known as a tabloid.

Max Kante lost his intership that “Marinette” gotten him with Tony Stark when it was found out that he believed what Lila said that a paper wipe vould poke his own eyes wihich should not be possible since he is wearing an Eye glass.

Marth change her harstyle after leaving College Francoise Dupont.

4 years later...

    Martha Wayne is now  28 years old and recently gotten married with her husband Felix Culpa

Who she date for 4 and 1/2 years. My family snd friends were all their.

It wasn’t long before my two bestfriend Irey West and Mar’i Grayson got married to their boy friends as well Irey married my half brother Damian Wayne so we’re Sister In Law now. Mar’i and I are already family being Dick’s daughter, she married Jon Kent.

Martha Wayne Culpa began creating her online Fashion Empire at the age of 21 years old. Mar’i Grayson Kent is one my most famouse Model along side my friendenemies in Paris, Chole Bourgeois who I become friends with after the coming months of Lila’s arrival to Paris when we were attenting College Francoise Dupont. While Irey West Wayne  become a journalist like her mother Linda West.

My brother Damian Wayne finally join the company being the Co-CEO of the Wayne Enterprises along side our adopted brother who also happen to be the 3rd Robin, Tim Drake and out of all our brother Tim is one, Damian can’t the most. But the two required to get along over the years because of all our nightly active.

2 years latr...

   Martha Wayne Culpa recently given birth to their first child a son who name Hugo Bruce Wayne Culpa, he has Martha’s bluish-black hair and Felix bright blue eyes. But from what my mother in law, Amelia Culpa told me Hugo look so much like Felix did when he was a baby, so i have no doubt in my mind that Hugo will look identical to his father one day.

 It wasn’t long before Irey West Wayne gaved birth to her own child a Daughter they named Mariana Rose Wayne she has her mother’s red hair and the same shade of eyes as her father.

Mar’i Grayson Kent gaved birth to a daughter as well they name her Calara Grayson Kent and her Krytonian name is Lara Jon-El.

another 2 years...

    Martha Wayne Culpa gaved birth to her 2nd child a daughter they named Emma Francine Wayne Culpa and by then Hugo recently become 3 years old.

 The moment Hugo first meet his new sister Emma, he promise himself that he would always protect and love her no matter what.

Adrian Agreste realized his feelings for Marinette after he found out she use to loved him before she left Paris but he realize his feelings to late. The next time he saw Marinette again was at his cousin Felix Culpa’s wedding reception. And now they both have two beauitful children. The woman of his dreams end ip marrying his cousin and they have a family together something I can never have with her. The family awlways picture myself having with Martha, and Felix is living it Day by day, week by week, months by months, and years by years.

While I end up in a loveless marriage with one Lila Rossi before all her liesare exposed to Everyone. And the only reason he has yet to divorce her is because of their daughter Alexis Agreste. 

[bluerene]

a study of separation anxiety

Discord musings result in a sudden spark of inspiration! @dar-draws knows how to make a bearded Dick Grayson that is simply *chefs kiss* divine.

Warning: baby cuteness, mentions of bearded!Dadwing, and a persuasive Tamaranian momma. 

a study of separation anxiety 

In all his life, Richard John Grayson had found he possessed only four weaknesses. The first was his father and brothers, who were put together because he managed his feelings for them about the same. And Alfred, though truthfully, Dick sometimes felt Alfred was the most important of them all. The second was his team, the people he had grown up with. The third was his wife, whose glimmering eyes never failed to capture his when she walked into a room. And the fourth was his daughter, the light of his life and the greatest source of his joy.

The very same daughter who was unashamedly squirming in his arms and punching him with her tiny fists while he tried to put her to bed.

“Ease up there, starshine,” he muttered, wincing as another blow made contact with his shoulder. He rubbed her back gently, pacing back and forth beside her crib. “Some help would be nice, Kory.”

His pajama-clad wife, who had been standing idly near the bedroom door, stepped into the room and shrugged.

“It is your fault for choosing to go back to work.”

Yeah, she wasn’t going to make it any easier either.

Dick groaned and moved to lay Mar’i down in the crib.

“I would not do that,” Kory warned, a smug smile crossing her face when their daughter began to wail.

“Well, what would you do then?” 

Kory rolled her eyes and stepped closer, adjusting his arms so that he cradled Mar’i close to his chest. Miraculously, the wailing stopped, and he looked down to see her tiny fists curling up against his shirt, her head snuggled into his warmth.

“Wow,” Dick said quietly, a slow smile spreading across his face, “nine months and I still haven’t learned a thing.”

His wife sighed and rested her chin on his shoulder, studying the line of his jaw and the dark stubble he had taken to wearing since Mar’i was born. 

“It will not get any easier when you go,” she said. 

“C’mon, Kory, we talked about this. I took an extended paternity leave. Those don’t come around too often. I need to get back on the force.”

“You did not take a break from being Nightwing,” she shot back, “you have been working this entire time, Richard, you are spreading yourself too thin. It will not be easy for Mar’i. X’hal, it will not be easy for me.” 

“We need to get back into a steady routine. I need to go to work. I need to start shaving so I don’t look homeless -”

“You would not dare,” Kory gasped, sounding horrified.

“ - need to get used to me being away for work because we want her to grow up with a somewhat normal life. I can’t keep taking vacations, and I’m not going to quit my job.”

He felt a hand slide up to his shoulder and along his collarbone, coming to touch the stubble at his neck.

“So,” Kory said softly, “what you are saying is, if you went on the paternity leave once again, you would stay home and be with us?”

“As much as I love the practice, I can’t keep getting you pregnant so I can get out of work, Star,” Dick said in amusement, catching her fingers with his hand and bringing them to his lips. 

She frowned and drew her hand away, “I do not see why not. And I do not see why you must shave your beard.”

“Because it’s unprofessional.”

“But the chief has a beard, as does your head detective.”

“And that’s their style, not mine. I have a beard for two reasons. One is sleeping in my arms, soundly, for the first time in weeks. And the other is to entertain your weird beard fetish.”

“It is not a fetish,” Kory said heatedly, “you are simply incomparably attractive to me when you wear your facial hair.”

Dick grinned. 

“I love you, babe. But the beard is gonna go.”

“Mar’i will not recognize you without it.”

“Yes, she will.”

“Fine. Then I will not recognize you without it.”

“Oh really?” Dick asked, leaning in to kiss her cheek, “wouldn’t you recognize this?”

“I would never allow a stranger to get so close to me,” she replied haughtily, crossing her arms.

He rubbed his jaw teasingly against the side of her face, smirking when he felt her body rumble in response. 

“Even if they can make you purr like I do?”

Kory blushed and shook her head, dropping her gaze to the sleeping child nestled in her husband’s arms.

“You are certain I cannot convince you to stay on the paternity leave?” she asked mournfully, changing the subject before he could tempt her further. The dim glow of the stars they had covered Mar’i’s bedroom with lit up the lines of his face marvelously, drawing her into his warm blue eyes. 

“Not unless you can have a baby in the next few hours.”

“We can make one,” she tried, widening her eyes pleadingly, “have you not enjoyed these last few months with us?”

Dick sighed and stepped away from her to settle Mar’i into her crib, pleased to see his daughter sleeping soundly. 

“Come here, Star,” he said softly, bringing his arms around her waist and holding her in a standing snuggle, “I have loved every minute of being with you two. But we both knew it wasn’t going to last forever. One of us needs to work to keep up with all the shopping you do with Donna and Babs,” he added cheekily.

“But -”

“I won’t be going back full-time for at least a month. Half-days and case breaks only. And when Mar’i is a little older, I’ll ease into a more regular schedule. It’ll be gradual. And we’ll be able to get back into our regular patrols in no time.”

Kory sniffled and buried her face in the curve of his neck, breathing deeply.

“I am sorry,” she said sadly, “I am being unreasonable, and I know that. I just...I will miss you. And I will miss your perfect beard. And I will miss seeing you hold her at all hours of the day. I hate it when we are apart, I am always worried something will happen to you. I never know when to say goodbye.”

Dick sighed and tightened his grasp on her, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. 

“We knew what we were getting into when we signed up to be heroes, Star. That much hasn’t changed. And I know it’s scary to wonder, but we can’t be in this bubble forever. That’s not who we are. And that’s not the kind of example we want to set for Mar’i.” 

Kory pressed her lips against his jaw, cupping his face with both hands.

“I love you so much,” she said fiercely, “and I will do my best to make this easier for you if you would only just -”

“I’m not keeping the beard, Kory.”

She pouted and unwound herself from him.

“Clorbag.”

“I love you too, dearest,” Dick said drily, “it seems your separation anxiety was quick to disappear.”

“The only separation you need to be concerned for is that between you and all of your razors,” she said mischievously, darting into the hallway to beat him to the bathroom, “and every other sharp object I can hide will be hidden.”

“Don’t touch my shurikens!” Dick yelped, groaning when a sudden cry sounded from behind him.

“Fucking hell,” he mumbled, bending over to pick up his daughter and cuddle her into his chest, “Kory and her hormones, you and your...well, you’re a baby, so it’s not really your fault. I mean, of course, you’ll miss me. We spend all day together.”

Mar’i looked up at him with wide, curious eyes, as if encouraging him to go on.

“You let me talk about pretty much anything. Your mom does it too, but sometimes she falls asleep or gets bored and she’s not terrific at hiding it when she’s not interested. You also threw up on your Uncle Jason the first time he held you, which was pretty cool.”

She babbled something in baby and gripped his shirt, pulling herself into an easy float above his arms.

“You seem to like my music more than anyone else’s. And you fall asleep on top of me when we’re watching the game,” he continued, bringing his fingers up to tickle her tummy. 

Mar’i giggled and lost her balance, falling back into his hands.

“Let’s see...you’re definitely the cutest baby the world has ever seen. You behave perfectly with all your uncles and aunts. Even when Damian tried to kill you. You just zapped him with a little starbolt and laughed.”

Dick stared into her perfect green eyes and couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness come over him. Nine months did feel too soon, in some ways. Mar’i had only just started walking. And her babbling was becoming increasingly more frequent. How long would it be before she said her first words? Would he even be there when she did?

“I’m going to miss being home, just so you know. A lot. But I definitely have to go. So you and your mom can’t try anything funny, okay?”

Shit. Were his eyes wet? Was he crying?

“I won’t be gone for too long tomorrow. Just in the morning. And then we can spend the rest of the day together.”

Mar’i raised a palm and rubbed it against his beard, showing him a gummy smile that was punctuated with two tiny baby teeth. 

He was definitely crying. 

“Anyway, I’m going to put you to bed now and stop your mom from destroying all the sharp things in the house, because I’m going to have to shave in the morning and that’s just a reality she’ll have to face -” 

He pulled Mar’i away from him slowly, lowering her back into the crib, retracting her immediately after the shrieking began.

“It’s bedtime, starshine, please, please go to sleep.”

But Mar’i, with a stubborn sense of persistence rivaling that of her father and mother, continued to scream and cry until Dick was snuggling her close to his chest, her fingers curled up in the cotton of his t-shirt.

Which is exactly how Kory found them thirty minutes later, having thrown out every razor-like thing she could possibly think of. Dick was still standing there in the center of the room, in the glow of the stars they had painted together, staring down at his daughter with tired, watery eyes. 

“Ah,” Kory said smugly, “I believe I am not the only one with a case of separation anxiety.”

Her husband looked over at her, something unreadable in his expression.

“How serious were you about making another one?”

Kory smiled wickedly. 

“I am always ready for you, my love.”

[nightglider124]

Dickkory Week: Day 4

So, here’s Day 4. I thought I’d have their child with a hint of the next generation to come shining through.

This is... not the best written and it is no way proofread so if it’s a bit of a disaster; sorry!

Hope you like it anyway.

___________________________________

Kids/Next Generation

The melody which the birds overhead were singing echoed through the branches of the trees and drifted through the sky as the sun poured its light over the world, drenching everything in its path within the golden warmth it possessed.

A light, Summer breeze rustled the bushes and swayed the blades of grass as it danced through the air. The bright blue of the sky was dazzling; a sight that was truly refreshing after the long, snow filled Winter and the blink and miss it Spring that they had had.

Clouds were sparse but the odd couple, hanging in the blue void were perfect; a pure white and so fluffy, it was the image of cotton candy but of course something so sweet was out of reach for admirers on the ground.

With her tendrils of auburn hair gently flowing whenever the light wind decided to play, she kept her eyes solely focused on the small one that was bounding with life and energy just in front of her.

Kory sat back on the rattan outdoor sofa that was positioned in the corner of the porch that wrapped around the back of their home, overlooking their large backyard. She leaned forward, scooping up her glass of lemonade from the coffee table by her legs, the ice cubes floating in her drink like they too, were basking in the delicious liquid. 

The white wooden railing ran around the entirety of the back porch, with a small gap for the set of steps leading down onto the grass of the garden where the light of her life was currently dancing in circles, babbling to herself.

Briefly, Kory lifted her chin to smile at the lemon wind chime that was jingling in the light breeze, twirling and catching the sunlight every now and then. 

She closed her eyes, indulging in the sound of the chimes like it was some kind of ancient song of the past, eerie and mysterious.

A high pitched giggle pulled her from her reverie and Kory couldn’t help the smile that stretched from ear to ear upon her face.

Her 3 year old daughter spun in circles, dressed in one of her favorite purple fairy outfits, complete with elasticated wings that had glitter swirl patterns decorating the span of them. 

She was laughing to herself, bursting and brimming with excitement over the tiniest things. Her innocence was something to be treasured and savored and Kory found herself wishing Mar’i could stay this way forever.

Blissfully in her own little world, making up her own rules and playing make believe in whichever way she wanted.

Kory took a long sip of her drink, the icy flow making her top lip tingle from the drop in temperature. 

She couldn’t tear her eyes away from Mar’i as she shifted her approach in playtime. She watched as her child murmured to herself amidst making random noises and squeals of joy before she tugged her small table and chair set to the middle of the grass. 

The chunky plastic table was in the middle, surrounded by matching pink chairs. She spied Mar’i as she brushed her hands down before searching for guests that would be attending her apparent tea party.

Kory absently watched as she picked up her stuffed bear, her big elephant plushie and a stray barbie doll that was face down on the soil beneath the table. Mar’i smiled and hummed a happy tune as she got her friends all set up, sat around the table and waiting to be served their helping of fresh, imaginary tea.

“No, bear. We will have tea or nothing!” She heard Mar’i inform one of her toys, in a tone so full of authority, it sounded strangely familiar to the alien Princess and mother.

Jerking forward at the sound of the back door opening and closing, Kory turned her head in the said direction, smiling when she saw her husband balancing a tray of fruits as he made his way over to her.

“Hey… thought munchkin could do with a snack to tide her over til’ dinner in a while.” Dick commented, placing the tray down on the coffee table.

“Mar’i! Come and have a snack and you can return to your toys afterwards.” Kory called,

Mar’i’s head snapped up and her solid green eyes glowed with exuberance. With a blunt order directed at her toys, informing them not to leave the table, Mar’i bounded over to them, clambering up the steps of the porch to reach her parents.

The 3 year old Princess let her eyes wander over her choices, presented on the table. There were an assortment of bowls; strawberries, bananas, apple and mixed berries. 

With a sparkle in her eyes, Mar’i bundled up the front of her dress and started stuffing some of each bowl into her makeshift carrier. 

Dick chuckled, “Mar’i… why don’t you eat them here?”

She glanced up at her father like he had just uttered the most stupid sentence ever, “Daddy… I’m at a tea party… I can’t just leave them alone!” 

“Are you going to share your fruit with them?” Kory murmured, taking a moment to push her slender fingers through her baby’s dark mop of hair, heart thudding when Mar’i smiled and leaned into her touch,

Mar’i considered and shifted her eyes to make sure her toys weren’t watching before she stuffed a handful of berries into her mouth, “Maybe, mama…” 

Kory burst into laughter and gave her daughter a gentle pat on the bottom, prompting her to get back to her group of friends, “Off you go then. Do not eat too fast!”

Waving a hand and waddling back down the steps of the porch, Mar’i hobbled over to her table and unloaded her stash of fruit onto it, forcing some in each direction of her toys.

Dick shook his head and smirked as he watched Mar’i scamper off before he sighed and took a seat on the sofa beside his wife. He lifted Kory’s legs and draped them over his lap, softly kneading at the tired soles of her feet.

Kory hummed and let her head rest against the back of the sofa, “You are so good at that.”

“Guess I had to be useful for something through the years, huh?” Dick quipped,

“You are useful for many things, my love.” She purred back, setting a deep blush off across his cheeks.

“I find it amazing that even after all this time together, you can still make me feel like a stammering idiot.” Dick huffed,

Kory giggled and winked at him, “That is the way I like you.”

Dick pulled a playful face at her before he turned his attention to Mar’i who had swapped out her fairy wings for one of Dick’s old Robin capes that he had given to her to play with when she told them she wanted to be a superhero like they were.

“The cape’s making another appearance, I see.” Dick murmured,

Kory smiled, her eyes half lidded; completely content with her life in that single moment. 

She peered at Mar’i and couldn’t help but feel fascinated by this tiny person that she had brought into the world.  

Her personality was already so alive and full of energy and she had only been in the world for 3 years. Mar’i was a force to be reckoned with at her young age and it warmed Kory’s heart to see how many traits she had already picked up from both herself and Dick. 

She was a very happy child, showing enthusiasm for the smallest of things such as going on a trip to the grocery store. Everything they did was an adventure in Mar’i’s eyes and she was always more than ready to take it on, no matter what.  

Dick constantly pointed out how Kory was the same; full of life and bursting with energy and excitement for new things. And, whilst Kory could see it, she found Mar’i’s innocence and purity with getting excitable over the little things so much more endearing. 

And on the flip side, Kory saw how stubborn Mar’i could be at times and how headstrong she got and whilst Kory wasn’t an angel in that area, she knew it was much more a streak of Dick showing through in their child.  

But now, watching as Mar’i babbled and spoke with her toys, Kory could see something else that reminded her so very much of Dick.  

Mar’i, by the looks of things, was planning a mission and was getting all of her allied toys involved, talking strategy to what Kory imagine was sneak up and steal more fruit from the bowls on the coffee table.  

The way she moved and the way she spoke; it was all so very… familiar. She had a streak of influence in her and Kory found her heart swelling as she considered Mar’i when she reached her teenage years. 

“What’re you thinking about, babe?” 

Dick’s voice tore her from her thoughts and she turned to look at him, a smile on her lips, “Just Mar’i…” 

“Oh?” 

“She is going to be so like you when she is older…”  

Dick’s brows lifted but he smiled, “How so?” 

“She’s going to be a leader, just like her father.” 

He chuckled, “You can tell that already, hm?” 

Kory ran her fingertip around the rim of her glass, “I can.”

“Well, I don’t know if-” 

She cut him off, lacing her fingers with his, “Just look at her, Dick.” 

And with that, her husband shifted on the sofa, trying to get a better eye on his daughter. When she fell within his sight, his curiosity grew as she spoke to her toys, apparently having them act as her superhero team.  

She was in the midst of briefing them all, telling them the mission, telling them the plan and talking up the members, pointing out their flaws and strengths.  

Of course, most of it was gibberish that only a 3 year old could ever hope to make sense of but Dick smirked, noticing what Kory was apparently seeing too. 

Mar’i was already quite the natural born leader and it made Dick wonder what she would be like in the distant future, with a team at her side, looking to her for guidance. 

“Do you see?” Kory prompted, 

Dick nodded, “Yeah… I see it.” 

“And? What do you think?” 

He took a deep breath, considering his words before he answered. Dick thought about his precious bundle of joy and wondered what kind of leader she would turn out to be one day but,  

“I think she’ll make an amazing leader ,someday.” He replied with a proud smile on his lips.

[xoxoladyclara]

“Valkyrie Rising”, on AO3 now!

Hello Tumblr! I’m so excited to share with you the first chapter of my newest fic series, “Valkyrie Rising”, an MCU/DCEU crossover fic. I’m posting the text of the first chapter here, as well as the link to the story on AO3! Make sure to swing by to check out the other two chapters I have published so far, the author’s note, and to get notifications of when new chapters are posted. I’m super excited about this one, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Wayne Tech Enterprises AI manufacturing system online. System operations: 120 petabytes/sec. Project A.L.F.R.E.D., Mach 23 rendering. Estimated wait time: 134 minutes.

Barbara let out a soft groan as the time slowly ticked down on the computer screen in front of her.  She rested her head on her desk and began drumming her fingers to the beat of the system rendering beeps.

She heard her colleague/friend/former roommate Frankie chuckle from behind her computer screen. "Things going that well, huh?"

Barbara groaned again in reply.

"Come on sweetie, what's wrong?" Frankie's singsong-y voice floated back towards her.

"This program! It was perfectly fine the first time, but no! 'The voice isn't right, Barbara.' 'You need to be able to fool me AND Alfred, Barbara.' 'The A.I. needs to be fully functioning but not homicidally inclined, Barbara.' I cannot WAIT for this to be done."

"You think Mach 23 is the one?"

Barbara stood up, grabbed her empty coffee mug, and walked over to the coffee-maker in the corner of their office. With a few quick taps of her fingers, the machine roared to life, and Barbara began to tap her foot impatiently. "It better be," she muttered darkly.

"Finally!" Frankie wheeled herself away from her desk, the computer dinging its goodbye.

"You're done already?"

Frankie smiled at Barbara and shook her head. "Hey, I'm just the IT girl on hourly. I don't get paid the big bucks to move us one step closer to Skynet."

"Aww Frank, can't you stay? Don't you love me anymore?"

"And miss the Wayne Enterprises gala tonight? I love you, girl, but I love a free night on the town just as much."

Barbara sighed pitifully, but hugged her friend tight anyways. "I hope you have a great time tonight, Frankie."

Frankie released her arms from the hug and rubbed Barbara's back. "You going to be okay?"

"What? Of course!" Barbara quickly turned back towards the coffee machine and grabbed the newly filled mug of liquid energy. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Frankie looked at her sadly; Barbara ignored her, walking back to her desk. "You know, ten years ago - "

"It's in the past," Barbara answered before Frankie could finish. "Besides, what sort of mother would I be if I left my child in this time of need?"

"Well, are you sure you're fine with missing the big shindig?"

Barbara rolled her eyes, turning back towards her concerned friend. "First of all, if I never have to be on display at another Wayne function, it will be too soon. Secondly, you know my father would rather lock me in Arkham then let me go anywhere with a population exceeding ten people. And lastly, if I did get to go, I'd have to deal with a hovering dad, a pained looking boss man, and the likelihood of getting arrested for punching Dick Grayson in the face. Trust me, this is much better."

Frankie rolled her eyes, but smiled at Barbara nonetheless. "If you're sure - "

"Of course! And you need to go. Someone has to represent the best department in the building."

"Best-looking, that's for sure. Sure you won't be too freaked out all alone down here? Tessa from HR said everyone is going."

Barbara snorted "She's paid to say that. Now, get going before I forcibly eject you from my fortress of solitude!"

Frankie grinned and made her way towards the slowly opening door. "See you later, Gordon."

"Have fun! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Barbara called after her and grinned as Frankie returned a one-fingered salute of her own. The door, with their names emblazoned on it, followed by "Information Technology Specialists", swung shut after Frankie.

Information Technology Specialists, my ass, Barbara thought to herself. She had to give credit where credit was due, however; it was a good cover. In fact, if it hadn't been for that stupid cover, she would still be under constant surveillance at her apartment. Bruce, for all his flaws, was perhaps the best business man she knew, and he had somehow managed to convince her father that she would be totally safe working at Wayne Enterprises. Barbara would have been relieved, but she saw his intentions for what they were: a place for her to work and be of use, but as far removed from the "family" as possible. And as annoyed as it made her, she was grateful; it was better than being under house arrest at her dad's.

It hadn't always been like this. Life had been normal once. School, dinner with Dad, fighting crime, doing homework, weapons building with Bruce, etiquette lessons with Alfred – she had been normal. It all turned to shit the day she lost her legs.

Sighing, she pulled out her personal laptop, grabbed her leftovers from lunch out of the fridge, and turned her attention to the news coverage at the Wayne Enterprises Annual Gala.

"-Welcome back to our evening coverage of the Wayne Enterprises gala. My name is Lois Lane, and I am live at the largest Gotham event of the year. We just spoke to the man of the hour himself, accompanied by Diana Prince, known United Nations correspondent.

The screen flicked to an earlier interview. "Mr. Wayne, if you could remind our viewers, what is the purpose of the annual Wayne Enterprises Gala?"

Bruce shot Lois his most winning smile. "It would be my pleasure, Ms. Lane. The Wayne Enterprises Gala was created for the sole purpose of raising money to give back to the community. Gotham has had a, uh, difficult past, but I truly believe that its darkest hour has passed. The time has begun to turn Gotham back into the shining beacon of progress it once was, and you can be certain that Wayne Enterprises will be leading the charge." With a quick kiss goodbye to the camera, Bruce and Diana walked away.

Barbara snorted as she took a giant bite of her pasta. "You should change your name to Sharkbait," she muttered under her breath.

Her phone buzzed on her desk. She grabbed hold of it, shoved some more pasta in her mouth, and read the text messages as they appeared.

Barry Allen: Hey Babs! You coming tonight?

Barry Allen: I can pick you up if you'd like!

Barry Allen: Iris can't make it, so I need a date!

Barry Allen: I'll even bring you some flowers or something!

Barbara Gordon: BARRY. This isn't prom. You don't need to bring me flowers. Also, I'm not going.

Barry Allen: WHAT? WHY NOT?

Barbara Gordon: I'm working late tonight, finishing up on a project.

Barry Allen: : (

Barry Allen: All you do is work nowadays.

Barbara Gordon: Well, it's either work or house arrest.

Barry Allen: : (

Barry Allen: Still a bummer though. Everyone else is stopping by! Even Dinah and Oliver, and you know how impossible it is to have them in the same room right now.

Barbara Gordon: Are they still fighting?

Barry Allen: Dinah cut the heads off ALL of Ollie's arrows and replaced them with butt plugs.

Barbara Gordon: Damn.

Barry Allen: Tell me about it.

Barry Allen: Are you sure that project can't wait?

Barry Allen: We all really miss you!

Barbara Gordon: Hardly.

Barry Allen: They do! I miss you the most though.

Barbara Gordon: You know, you could run over here some time! It's not like you have a long commute anywhere.

Barry Allen: Are you sure you can’t come out?

Barbara Gordon: Positive.

Barry Allen: Well, let me know if you need anything. If you do, I'll be over in -

Barbara Gordon: DON'T YOU SAY IT

Barry Allen: A FLASH.

Barbara Gordon: …..

Barbara Gordon: …...

Barbara Gordon: Sometimes I hate you.

Barry Allen: : )

Barry Allen: You know you love me.

Barbara Gordon: … That I do. Have fun tonight, Allen.

Barbara smiled to herself as she grabbed hold of the pasta. Barry always, always had her back. Even considering Kara and Dinah, he was the closest friend she had. Funny, how things work like that. She never in a million years would have thought that after all this time, it would just be Barry Allen left standing. Well, Barry Allen and the ever-suffering Alfred Pennyworth, but still.

"Look who has just arrived! Ladies and gentlemen, Dick Grayson, with – can it be? Supermodel Kory Anders!"

Barbara stilled, staring at the screen, as Dick Grayson strode into view, wearing a dark purple suit, perfectly tailored to show off his assets. At his side was "Kory Anders" - Starfire's public persona – in a fitted black dress that left very little to the imagination. Her bottle-red hair hung down to her waist, the Farrah Fawcett curls taking up a decent amount of the screen.

"Mr. Grayson, great to see you!"

Dick winked at Lois. "A pleasure to see you as always, Ms. Lane."

Lois laughed brightly. "How does it feel to be the beneficiary of the Wayne legacy on nights like tonight?"

"Lois – if I may call you Lois – Bruce taking me under his wing after I lost my family was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I am incredibly proud to be a part of his generous legacy. To be here, surrounded by all my friends and loved ones, with the most beautiful girl in the world at my side – there's nothing more I can ask for."

Lois thanked Dick and Starfire, and as they walked away she turned to face the camera. "Truly a triumphant night for Gotham's royal family - "

Barbara closed the computer window with a click. Feeling sick to her stomach, she pushed her pasta away, and breathed deeply, hoping to chase away any untoward thoughts. She suddenly heard a ding coming from her computer station.

Project A.L.F.R.E.D., Mach 23 rendered. Please insert chip before commencing download.

Barbara raced over to her station. Grabbing her prototype communicator watch, she removed the empty chip, inserted it into the docking station, and commenced the download. The watch was fairly inconspicuous; it had a pale pink leather band, a medium-sized cream-colored face, with two small gold hands that showed the time. Underneath the leather were several laced graphene threads that held the operating system dock in place under the watch face. The glass on top of the watch face was made of several layers of metallic glass, meaning it could withstand bullets and weight that was fifteen times the normal capacity of a steal beam of the same size. The A.I. chip, once inserted, could only be removed by the person who inserted it into the watch in the first place, as sort of a failsafe. It was, without a doubt, both the most expensive and impressive piece of Wayne Tech ever created.

Total program download in 3 minutes.

Barbara sighed again, watching the countdown. At this rate, she would be ahead of schedule. She might even be able to leave earlier than -

BOOM! The sound of splintering glass and crashing cement echoed throughout the corridor.

"What the - " Barbara muttered. She peered through the blinds on her office window and saw several masked men heading down the corridor, towards the sound of the explosion. The private Wayne Security detail, that usually patrolled Wayne Enterprises after hours, was nowhere to be seen.

"Shit," Barbara gasped. Whirling around, she opened up a hidden compartment of prototype guns – one of her many side projects; as long as she was incarcerated at Wayne Enterprises with total access to Bruce's credit card, she might as well have a hobby – and tapped her foot impatiently while the program finished downloading.

A.L.F.R.E.D., Mach 23, downloaded. Please insert into device for immediate testing.

Barbara grabbed the chip and stuck it into the watch. As she slid the watch onto her slender wrist, she could feel the small gears in the docking system adjusting so that the watch was snugly attached. The watch began to glow softly as the AI came online.

"Program intializing," a deep British voice said. The light on the watch face glowed with each syllable the AI spoke. "A.L.F.R.E.D. online. Who is the primary controller?"

"Barbara Gordon," she spoke slowly, still tapping her foot.

"Body scan initializing. Retinal scan initializing. All individual markers catalogued, approved and secured. Personnel file pulled. Hello, Barbara Gordon. How may I be of service?"

Barbara shoved some magazines into her pocket. "Set me as sole executor of your system and its programming, initialize all security protocols, begin downloading of Wayne Enterprises database. Sync data from my cellular device, laptop, and console to system storage."

"Yes, Ms. Gordon. All items in progress."

"Please, call me Barbara." Barbara grabbed the gun, loaded it, and moved over towards the door.

"Of course, Ms. Gordon," A.L.F.R.E.D. replied.

So far, so good on the personality front, Barbara thought as she crouched behind the door.

"Information downloaded, processed, and synced to my servers. Security protocols updated."

"Great. I need you to get an eye on the situation in the Weapons Division once you've finished."

A few seconds passed while A.L.F.R.E.D. processed the information. Still crouched behind the door, Barbara heard several more footsteps running down the hallway.

" - faster we get the load, the faster we get paid, so keep those feet moving quickly - " The voice barking out commands disappeared down the hallway, quickly drowned out by the sounds of boots slamming down on the floor.

"There has been a breach in the Weapons Division," A.L.F.R.E.D. began. "It appears that the innermost laboratory area has been compromised."

Barbara drew in a sharp breath. "Why? And how?"

"My scans of Mr. Wayne's messages to Mr. Pennyworth indicate some sort of alien byproduct was delivered this morning to Wayne Enterprises. I would assume that is the cause of this commotion. As to the who, I am scanning the security footage as we speak and running all faces through the Gotham City Police Department database."

"SHIT. What was Bruce thinking, bringing something like that here?"

"I have identified some of the intruders, Ms. Gordon. Frank Legetti, former SEAL, wanted for illegal weapons racketeering on the black market. Clyde and Wilson Marchette, thugs-for-hire, recently paroled. There are several other men in masks that appear to be guns for hire. However, I believe I have identified the leader."

Barbara nodded, beginning to brace herself for a fight. "Lay it on me."

"A Jerome Napier, convicted felon, who recently escaped from Arkham Asylum."

The blood drained from Barbara's face. "It can't be."

"I'm afraid so, Ms. Gordon. The Joker is in the building."

Check out the rest of the story on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12645348/chapters/28816497  

[hoodedhavok]

Feels Like Home

note: this is the first time in a while i wrote something and actually finished it and edited it so im really proud about this, anyway happy birthday to jason todd aka my sweet child who deserves no pain also s/o to jade for helping me on some of the smaller details

summary: jason (properly) celebrates his birthday for the first time in a while post-death

words: 1421

Jason stopped celebrating his birthday once he died. He swore off bringing it up. If it was remembered, it wasn’t at his doing. Every year, the day would pass by as if it was a normal day. Alfred would call him at midnight but also bake a batch of his favourite cookies for him. Bruce would stray from potentially picking an argument about their differing morals. Those were the gifts he got. The day was near once more, and Jason had just finished dealing with a rising drug cartel. He along with his brothers, never really took nights off. But just this once, he allowed himself. He was lacking on sleep after all.

It was like someone was looking out for him, because for once he slept soundly. There was no laugh haunting his dreams, instead it was a distant memory that came to him.

His first birthday with Bruce and Alfred was also his first birthday without his parents. Albeit, the lack of his father didn’t hurt him as much as the lack of his mother (adopted mother to be exact) did. Jason didn’t expect Bruce or Alfred to do anything let alone remember. Yet when he came downstairs that morning, there was a fresh batch of pancakes made. Bruce had started to pour his coffee when he noticed the boy standing there.

“Happy birthday, Jason!” Bruce’s voice was filled with a smile as he greeted him, as if the shock was written on his face, Alfred told him;

“As if we would forget your birthday, Master Jason.” He gave Jason a smile, “Happy birthday.”

The day was unforgettable for Jason, Bruce took him shopping where he bought enough books to last a decade (some of which Bruce still has in the manor). They went for lunch, then went back to the manor where Dick was waiting. When it came time to go on patrol, Jason was beaming. He loved it, the feeling of freedom as he and Bruce glided through the air. Yet a part of him wanted to stay back, to not be Robin tonight. To just be Jason.

“We’re staying in tonight, choose a movie Jason.” That night they watched movies back to back until they each fell asleep. It was one of the happiest days of his life.

For once, he didn’t wake up with a scream. The blankets didn’t feel like they were suffocating  him. He turned his phone over, reading the time 8:34am. Roy messaged him at midnight, Happy birthday Jaybird! One day, Jason was going to smother Roy for calling him Jaybird. Jason had more notifications than he expected. There was a missed call from the manor at 12:02am, no doubt it was Alfred. There was also a missed call from Bruce, and a follow up message. Call me when you wake up, happy birthday. Jason groaned, it wasn’t like he did anything to get a scolding from Bruce. His mind searched for some type of reasoning for why the Old Man would specify him calling back. Perhaps it was because he knew Jason wouldn’t do it.

Once Jason had a cup of coffee in him, he dialed Bruce’s number.

“Morning, Old Man.” Jason greeted him, Bruce laughed on the other end of the phone.

“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that? Happy birthday, Jason.” There was something suspicious occurring, but Jason couldn’t figure it out. He was barely able to say thank you before Bruce continued on, “What are your plans for today?” Honestly, Jason had none. He never did, and he told Bruce that. “Good, why don’t you come by the manor? Alfred is baking a batch of cookies for you.” Jason could only murmur a confirmation due to the curiosity that filled him as he spotted a box on his table.

“I’ll see you later...Bruce.” It was days like these, where Bruce wasn’t scolding him, where their relationship seemed normal, that Jason needed to hesitated before saying his name instead of Dad.

It was a plain cardboard box, but when Jason opened it there was a small card on top of the tissue paper. Happy birthday Jason, don’t try and say you aren’t a sentimental person. - Kori. Her message confused him but when he unwrapped the gift, he saw it was a frame with a photograph of him, Roy and Kori inside. A ghost of a smile was on his lips as he placed it beside the framed photo of him and Bruce from his ‘graduation day’. Jason remembered the day they took the photo, he was posing for ‘sexy’ while he thought Bruce was being serious. Until he saw the photo and saw the smile on his face.

~

If Jason was expecting anything when he entered the manor, it was not what he received. Despite already eating breakfast, Alfred already had a plate of pancakes waiting for him. If there was anything Jason was grateful for in his life, it was Alfred. Alfred who unconditionally loved all of them. Who made Jason feel less like a screwup and more like a human being.

“These are the best!” Jason managed out as he swallowed the food. Alfred could only smile at the second oldest. The rest of the boys were still sleeping, Bruce was in the cave unaware Jason arrived. Alfred wanted a moment alone with the boy.

“You may have thought we forgot your birthday but we never did. Even when you weren’t with us, we still remembered.” Alfred said as he took a seat beside him. “Even if your siblings did, Bruce and I could not.” Alfred handed him a box.

“Alfie…” Jason wanted to refuse the gift.

“I’m tired of seeing you run around in that jacket, it looks like it is going to fall apart if it moves.” That wasn’t true, Jason’s brown leather jacket was in great condition. Minus the recent bullet holes. Inside the box was a leather jacket, nearly the same shade as the one he already possessed. This one was lighter though, with an inside pocket on the left side.

“Thank you.” Alfred only nodded,

“Now finish your breakfast, I’ll go get Master Bruce.” Jason wondered why Alfred never addressed Bruce as his father. Jason could recall Alfred referring to Bruce as Dick’s father, but never Jason’s. He shoved the slight insecurity away and finished the pancakes.

Jason’s life was full of surprises but that didn’t make him anymore prepared for the sentiment behind Bruce’s gift to him.

“The first birthday you celebrated with us,” The only birthday, Jason thought as Bruce spoke. “I took you shopping and you got thirty books.”

“Thirty four.” Jason specified. Bruce’s lips upturned into a smile.

“Thirty four books, you told me how you loved this one specific book. That you read it at the library once, and you fell in love with it.” Jason knew what book he was talking about. It was the book that reminded him what home felt like. “And out of all thirty four, you couldn’t find that one book.” Bruce handed Jason a box, he didn’t need to open it. From the size of it, Jason knew what it was.

“You found it?” Bruce nodded, watching as Jason held the book in his hands. “Thank you.” Jason told him, “I mean it, thank you Bruce.” Jason would never admit it, but there was more to the thank you. It wasn’t just for the book. It was for everything.

“You’re welcome, Jason.” There was an unspoken thought to it. “Despite our differences, you’ll always be my son.” Jason didn’t have time to respond as his siblings came running into the kitchen, the smell of warm cookies enticing them. Alfred batted their hands away from taking the cookies.

“These are for Master Jason!” Alfred scolded, “There are a fresh batch of pancakes being made, now go greet your brother.”

Dick was the first one to wish him a happy birthday, ruffling his hair only to earn a shove. Tim offered a half asleep smile and greeted him. Damian only gave him a nod of acknowledgement. As everyone took their seats at the table, Jason was content. Despite their differences, this was his family. The feeling he got as he watched Damian and Tim bicker while Dick tried to get as many pancakes as possible on his plate before Alfred noticed, all while Bruce sipped his coffee without as much acknowledging the ongoing argument. It was the same feeling he got when he read that book, he felt at home.

tagging: @lowkeylxia @padmeamidalia @icepeters-book-trash @asherella-is-a-dork @jadedhillon

[fishfingersandjellybabies]

Mending A Broken Home - fic

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul, bits of Dick, Shawn and Kory Summary: “You’re supposed to love my mother so we can still be a family!” A/N: I feel like Damian would just be so upset about Bruce proposing to Selina. What a poor baby.

~~

Bruce sighed, dialing the number. It was a last resort, one he hoped he didn’t have to use.

But when Damian was upset, there was only one person he turned to.

“He just needs some time.” Dick answered as a greeting – and Bruce was a little disappointed to know he was right. Pursed his lips in annoyance. “Just. Let him process it, okay?”

“What is he thinking?” Bruce asked anyway, already heading towards the door. Grabbed his jacket and a set of car keys. “Has he said?”

“He’s upset, and he’s upset about what you told him. That’s about all I’ve got.” Dick explained. “Otherwise…he really hasn’t said anything. Just curled himself up on the sofa. I’m…kind of trying to give him his space for right now.”

“Hm.” Bruce grumbled, opening the car door and dropping into the driver’s seat. “Keep him there, keep him safe. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Wha…wait, Bruce, I don’t think you should-”

Bruce clicked the line and tossed the phone into the passenger seat. Started the car and took off towards Bludhaven.

~~

The door to Dick’s apartment opened while he was still moving down the hall.

“Can just you and I talk first?” Dick pleaded, holding his hands up. “I told him you were coming, I just want to give him a little more time to prepare.”

Bruce opened his mouth to retort, but looked past Dick into the apartment. He could see Damian on the sofa, leaned into the side of one Koriand’r, the woman speaking in soft tones to another as she put drinks on the coffee table – Dick’s girlfriend Shawn Tsang.

“…Fine.” Bruce sighed, stepping back. Dick didn’t close the door, just leaned against the frame. “What is Starfire doing here?”

Dick glanced behind him. “She and Damian are close. He texted her after he got here. Next thing I knew, she was at the door.”

“…Oh.” Bruce sighed. “And Ms. Tsang is…?”

“Great with it. I can already tell the two of them are going to be awesome friends.” He looked back at Bruce with a tired smile. “Which will probably suck for me, but. Oh well. “

They both just looked at each other.

“Bruce, are you serious about this?” Dick asked quietly. “Like…really serious?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. And I’m happy for you. Really, I am.” Dick nodded. “But you have to remember the people outside of you and Selina, okay? Me and Jay and us older ones, we’ll probably be fine. But Damian…”

“You’re supposed to love my mother!” Damian suddenly screamed from inside. They both turned to find Shawn and Kory trying to hold Damian back, soothe him back into the sofa from where he had lurched. His eyes were wide and angry. And hurt. So, so hurt. “You’re supposed to love my mother so we can still be a family!”

Bruce inhaled a gasp, listened as Kory and Shawn tried to comfort his son.

“And how are we supposed to be a family if you marry that…that…” Damian looked around, as if physically searching for the word. “…harlot!”

There were tears welling up in the little boy’s eyes, and when Kory moved to embrace him, he didn’t fight her, hiding his face in her neck.

And Bruce instantly remembered the child he’d met so many years prior. Talia revealing him like he was a prop in a magic trick. That day, on the submarine, in the rain. When Talia gave that poor boy an ultimatum. And his answer. His simple, innocent, almost sweet, answer.

“Do I have to choose? I would much rather we were all together.”

But they’d never talked about it, and over the years, with his relationship with Dick, and the new friends he’d made, Bruce thought Damian had changed his mind. That he didn’t think the same. Hell, he still remembered that conversation they’d had. Out in space, Damian’s face bright in the starlight. When he’d asked if Bruce ever loved Talia, and said himself he didn’t.

But no, nothing had changed. Not at all.

Damian was still just a baby. A baby who wanted his mom and dad.

And Bruce felt guilt swirl in his gut that he’d never even noticed.

(But, he suddenly understood why Dick and Princess Koriand’r held such importance to him.)

“…Damian.” He tried, stepping forward. Dick hesitated, but then shifted to let him into the apartment. The women stayed huddled around Damian, watching Bruce silently, making it clear they weren’t moving. He nodded to them, sat on the edge of the coffee table. “Damian, can you please look at me?”

Damian didn’t. He just inhaled a shaky, watery breath.

“Damian, my relationship with Selina has nothing to do with my relationship with your mother.” Bruce offered. “And it most certainly changes nothing about my relationship with you.”

He glanced at Dick, who was closing the front door and silently moving to stand behind the sofa.

“You’re my son, and I love you. I will always love you, and I will always be grateful to Talia for giving you to me, despite her intentions or means.” Bruce whispered. “But, Damian. You knew your mother and I…we aren’t ever getting back together.”

“Of course I knew.” Damian spat, but there was no venom there. Slowly, as Shawn silently reached out and took his hand, he peeked out at his father, and his voice was barely a murmured. “But I…I still hoped.”

Bruce waited, thought about his options. Then sighed, closed his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

There was silence for a moment, then Bruce glanced up at Kory.

“…May I?”

Kory seemed to think about it, looked at Shawn. Dick touched her shoulder, and she exhaled, reluctantly pulling Damian from her side and shifting away from him on the couch. Bruce instantly took her spot, wrapping both his arms around Damian’s shoulders, leaning his face into his hair.

Shawn kept hold of Damian’s hand.

“I won’t call her mother.” Damian swore. “I won’t.”

“And I don’t expect you to.” Bruce promised. “I don’t expect you to change anything about yourself, not for Selina, or for our…marriage.”

Damian sniffed, but leaned into Bruce’s chest. That was a good sign.

“…Would you like to call your mother?” Bruce asked softly. “I…haven’t spoken to her in a while myself.”

Damian seemed to think about it. “…Will it change your mind?”

“No.” Bruce smiled a little. “I’m afraid not.”

Damian sighed. “Then maybe tomorrow.” A pause. “She would berate me for such weakness right now.”

Bruce frowned, squeezed Damian a little tighter.

“…Do you want me to take you home?” Bruce asked after a moment. “I’ll…I’ll take the night off of patrol. Spend it with you.”

Damian didn’t look up, but Bruce noticed him squeeze Shawn’s fingers. “…I’d like to stay here, if that’s okay.”

Dick cut in then. “Do you want Bruce to stay too?”

“Yes.” Damian blurted out instantly. Hid his face deeper into his father’s neck. “Yes please.”

“It’s a party, then.” Dick hummed, ruffling the part of Damian’s hair he could reach. “Shawn? Can you come help me make up the guest room? For Kory, of course. Bruce can sleep on the sofa.”

Shawn grinned, and stood up to assist him.

Bruce hummed, carefully extracting Damian from his arms, glancing back to Kory. She nodded instantly, and when he stood, she retook her place at the boy’s side.

“…Starfire?” He murmured. Kory looked up at him. “…Thank you.”

She smiled, and Bruce could instantly see why Dick loved her once upon a time. “My pleasure.”

He nodded and stepped away, pulling out his phone as he moved into the kitchen. Dialed a number he knew by heart, and always would.

Two rings. “Beloved.”

“Talia.” He whispered. “I’m…sure you heard already.”

“I have.” She said shortly. No emotion, and that was so like her. (So like their son.) “I wish you and your betrothed all the best.”

“Damian is…” Bruce sighed. “Upset about it.”

“I’m sure.”

“…Would you be available for a call tomorrow?” Bruce asked. “He…misses you.”

Talia hesitated.

“Talia?” Bruce asked. “It…probably doesn’t mean much, especially now, but.” He glanced back to the sofa. Found Dick was back, on Damian’s other side, opposite of Kory. And they looked like the perfect family. Looked like they could be Damian’s real parents, honestly, and that…stung a little. “…I miss you too.”

Talia laughed softly. “And I, you. But for another life it seems.” There was a voice in the background, sounded like a minion calling for her. “But yes, I will be available to speak to our son tomorrow. Give my regards to Ms. Kyle.”

The line clicked.

Bruce stared at the phone for a moment, then shoved it back into his pocket. When he turned back to the room, he found Shawn had returned, sitting where he had been on the coffee table, laughing with Kory.

She completed the circle. Dick, Kory and Shawn, surrounding Damian on all sides with unconditional love and affection.

The love he’d always just…wanted.

He watched as Damian suddenly leaned exhaustedly into Dick’s side. As Dick just carefully rubbed his shoulder. As Kory held his hand. As Shawn reached out, and pushed Damian’s hair out of his eyes. As Damian relaxed under their gestures.

Basking in the affection he deserved.

And always, always had.

(And neither him nor Talia could ever give him, no matter how much they wanted to.)

[asideoffluff]

Stay With Me: Dickkory

He had asked her to stay a number of times during their relationship. Until one day she couldn’t. 

“Stay with me, then,” Dick offered with a shrug. He slurped the rest of his chocolate milkshake up, and patiently waited for her response.

She stared down at her two finished strawberry milkshakes (the first two of many to come), and smiled shyly. “With you? In your home? Robin, you are very kind to me, but I would not like to do the imposing. You did express that your living in Jump was a sign of freedom and rebellion from your master, is it not?”

He didn’t really like the way she used master. He had merely said that he was free of his father, not that he had to buy his way out of slavery or something. If only it were that easy.

“Erm, yeah, I did say that, didn’t I?” He scratched the back of his neck. “I meant that I just didn’t want to study with my dear, old dad anymore. It’s not some sort of emancipation.”

She looked thoroughly confused now. (It was kind of cute.)

“I mean--gah.” He leaned back on the vinyl chairs of the cafe, trying to find the best way to word his proposal. “Living alone and fighting crime alone can get boring. I need a companion--a friend.” 

She lit up at that. Apparently friend had the some connotations on Tamaran as it did on Earth. “The crime fighting? I can do that! I will work my hardest to ensure that I am useful.”

“Great, great,” he said. He smiled back at her. “Maybe we can invite the others to join us. I know Beast Boy and Cyborg haven’t exactly been living the lavish life here... You know, I think Raven’s new to the planet too. She might be able to help you around a bit.”

“I would like that very much.”

“Stay with me, Star,” he said, pulling her waist towards him, effectively trapping her in his arms.

“Richard!” Kory exclaimed, swatting his hands. She made very little effort to pull them off, though. “We shall be late to Babs’ party if you do not let me go!”

She adequately emphasized her last words by thwacking him with a pillow at every syllable. When his vision finally cleared the black spots, he gave her a puppy dog frown.

“Aw, c’mon, Star,” he pouted. He buried his head into her smooth back. “I just want to cuddle.”

"We may do the cuddling at the party. I am positive there will be several empty rooms at the new house.” 

Dick scoffed. “Empty rooms I’m sure she’s locked.” To keep lust-led fools like him out. “And I very much doubt that Babs won’t notice us sneak off!”

Kory dragged herself (with Dick still attached) to the edge of the bed. “Then she will certainly notice our absence when we arrive late!”

Dick groaned when Kory stood up and pulled him over the edge. He didn’t feel like getting up and the floor of his apartment bedroom seemed rather clean (Alfred had drilled the habit of cleaning into him). 

It started a few months ago. Dick and Kory. Or Starfire and Nightwing. The lines were rather blurred. (He almost always called her Starfire at home, though.)

It was all lust and passion but then it was all love and warmth and now it’s all late mornings and breakfast in bed. He’s known her for the past eight years. He wants more.

“Stay with me, love,” Dick urged. 

His wife of exactly one year and three months was having quite a bit of trouble keeping her eyes open.

“Dick... I do not like this.” She clenched her eyes shut and screamed. It broke his heart.

“Keep it coming, Mrs. Grayson, you’re doing spectacular,” said the midwife. “Push, push, push... Now, pushpushpushpushpush.”

Kory screamed again and almost broke Dick’s hand in the process. He winced. 

He had read multiple pregnancy books late at night while Kory was sleeping, and every single one of them said that giving birth was probably the most painful experience a mother will go through in her lifetime. Seeing as Kory has been a superhero for the better part of her life, Dick really hoped it wasn’t true for her.

The sound of wailing (an enfant’s wailing, not his wife’s) brought his attention back to the matter at hand. Holy shit.

“Mr. and Mrs. Grayson, I am proud to announce the successful birth of a beautiful baby girl...”

“Stay with me, please,” he begged.

His lungs weren’t working properly. Neither were his eyes. And apparently, neither was his heart (how he knew, he wasn’t sure. He had given it away long ago).

His arms wouldn’t move to trap her in them. His lips wouldn’t move to tell the visiting Tamaranians to back the fuck off, please. His legs wouldn’t move to run away from it all.

“Nightwing...” she wouldn’t meet his eyes. Which was fine, it wasn’t as if he could see much behind his tears. “Nightwing... please do not ask me that.”

“I can’t ask the mother of my child to stay? My wife?” he ground out. He was being selfish and he knew it. Begging and bullying wouldn’t work, but they had to. Simply had to.

“Please do not.” She gripped his forearms as tightly as he gripped her waist. “You know I cannot stay. Please, Nightwing, you know as well I do.”

And he did. The last Princess of Tamaran was being called back to her planet to lead them in a war against some neighbouring planet. The Enour’kai. He knew she would also fiercely protect her people just as she would Mar’i. He knew that even if she didn’t want to go, the Tamaranian generals standing at his side would drag her away anyways.

“I will return soon. I do the promising of this, my love,” she whispered. 

She pressed her lips to his in finality and let go of him. She walked to the travel pod; his heart was flying away.

He turned to the generals menacingly. “If she doesn’t come back just as she left, you'll both regret being born,” he said in Tamaranian.

They nodded. “Affirmative, sir.”

“Stay with me, darling,” he said lightly. 

He offered his hand to his flying companion and she grabbed it, using it as an anchor to bring her closer to him. Don’t stray now, please.

It turned out that Tamaran was full of liars.

The Tamaranian generals did not keep their promise. They were dead now, but if they weren’t, Dick would’ve ripped them from top to bottom. Viciously.

Even Tamaran’s princess, the wise and beautiful Koriand’r, was a liar. She promised she would return soon. The war had lasted for four Earthen years, three of which he did not have any communication with his wife.

But she survived it. The peace treaty signed, the dues paid, the bodies burned. He had received a letter that the princess was making a formal visit to his planet, which really just meant she was coming home.

And when she arrived home, she was not just as she had left. 

The Enour’kai did not take well to losing, and had ambushed the warrior princess when she was alone. There was no opportunity to fight back. The whole pod was destroyed, her body still smoldering when she crashed landed.

She survived the whole war to die (what her people would consider) an unhonourable death. They purposely asked Dick if he would keep the body.

Dick told himself he shouldn’t have been surprised. They both knew that war was deadly and bloody and unforgiving. But she was coming home already. She was almost at his fingertips.

“What do you say about getting lunch, hm?” He asked, tucking a piece of her wild hair behind her ear.

She nodded enthusiastically, her eyes growing wider at the sound of food.

He held his 6 year-old daughter in his arms, balanced on his hip, and smiled. “Say goodbye to Mommy, then we can go.”

“Good-bye-bye, Mommy,” Mar’i said, blowing a wet kiss in his gravestone’s direction.

Dick’s smile faltered a little. The girl barely knew her mother for a year. 

“Yes, goodbye now, love,” he whispered.

He walked away with his daughter. Stay with me, he thought. He inwardly laughed at himself.

If only it were that easy.